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5 Shocking Facts About Florida Atlantic University Hockey: From Club Status To National Champions

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Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Hockey is one of the most compelling and rapidly evolving stories in collegiate club sports today, transforming from a regional Florida team into a powerhouse on the national stage. As of December 2025, the Owls are navigating a pivotal period of growth and transition, building on a foundation of recent national championship success and looking ahead to a new chapter in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).

The FAU Ice Hockey Club, based in Boca Raton, has defied expectations by achieving a level of dominance rarely seen in club hockey, particularly for a program in the non-traditional hockey market of South Florida. Their journey is marked by a series of significant victories, strategic moves between leagues, and a commitment to excellence that has cemented their status as a major contender in the College Hockey South (CHS) and beyond.

The FAU Hockey Club: A History of Explosive Growth and National Titles

The Florida Atlantic University Ice Hockey Club has a history stretching back approximately 16 years, starting as a local campus organization. Today, it operates as a highly competitive club sports program, distinguishing itself with an impressive run of national success that has brought significant recognition to the university. The program is currently known for fielding multiple teams, including a dominant Division II squad and a developing Division III team, managing the logistics of a major collegiate hockey operation.

FAU Hockey Program Profile and Key Personnel

  • University: Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
  • Location: Boca Raton, Florida
  • Team Nickname: Owls
  • Club Status: Collegiate Club Sports (not NCAA)
  • Primary Leagues/Divisions: AAU College Hockey (Historically), American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II (DII) and Division III (DIII)
  • Home Rink: Boca Ice (Boca Raton)
  • Head Coach: Scott Anderson
  • Assistant Coaches: Aaron Burri, Christian Long
  • Notable Administrative Support: FAU President Adam Hasner (known for engaging with the team)

The Coaching Staff and Leadership

The current success of the FAU Hockey program is intrinsically linked to its leadership. Head Coach Scott Anderson oversees the entire operation, guiding the players through the challenging schedule of the College Hockey South (CHS). He is supported by a dedicated staff, including Assistant Coach Aaron Burri and Assistant Coach Christian Long, the latter of whom brings over 28 years of extensive hockey experience to the club, providing invaluable mentorship to the student-athletes.

FAU’s Dynasty: Three-Time National Champions

The most defining chapter in the history of FAU Hockey is their recent, remarkable dynasty in the AAU College Hockey National Tournament. This achievement is particularly notable because it was accomplished by a club team in a state not traditionally known for ice hockey.

The Division II squad achieved a historic feat, winning the D2 AAU National Championship in three consecutive seasons:

  • 2021-2022 Season
  • 2022-2023 Season
  • 2023-2024 Season

This unprecedented run of dominance established the Owls as the premier team in their division and demonstrated the high caliber of hockey talent attracted to the Boca Raton campus. The team's ability to consistently qualify for the national tournament and ultimately secure the title year after year speaks volumes about the program's structure, recruitment, and competitive spirit.

The Pivotal 2024-2025 Season and ACHA Transition

The 2024-2025 season represents a significant year of transition and continued high-level play for the Florida Atlantic University Ice Hockey Club. The program is actively managing two fronts: maintaining its Division II competitive edge while simultaneously developing its Division III presence in preparation for future changes.

Division II Dominance in College Hockey South

The FAU DII team, competing in the highly competitive College Hockey South (CHS) league, continued its winning ways in the 2024/25 regular season. The team posted a phenomenal record, finishing the fall semester with a strong showing that included a three-game sweep of their in-state rival, the University of Florida Gators. Their success is attributed to a balanced attack, with recent score sheets showing a wide distribution of goals among players, a testament to the depth of the squad.

This consistent performance against regional rivals like the University of Florida and the University of South Florida solidifies FAU’s position as a top-tier program in the Southeast.

The Move to ACHA Division III for 2025-2026

Looking ahead, the FAU Ice Hockey Club is preparing for a major structural shift by moving the program to the ACHA Division III for the 2025-2026 season. This move signals a strategic decision to align the club more fully within the American Collegiate Hockey Association framework, which governs over 400 college hockey programs across the United States.

The 2024-2025 season therefore serves as a crucial development year for the DIII squad, which is already competing against regional ACHA teams. Early season matchups, such as those against the University of Miami, are vital for the team to adapt to the ACHA DIII guidelines and build the necessary chemistry and experience for their full-time transition.

Key Players and the DIII Roster

The development of the Division III team is paramount to the club’s future success. The roster features a mix of talented players eager to establish the new division, with names like Jake Buccigross, Joe Lozoraitis, Drew Renzi, Peter Petito, Sam Watson, Anthony Berry, and Alex Lesko forming the core of the emerging squad. These players are tasked with setting the standard for the next era of FAU Hockey, ensuring the club maintains its competitive spirit as it moves into a new divisional structure.

The success of the club team hinges on the dedication of these student-athletes, who balance rigorous academic schedules at Florida Atlantic University with the demanding travel and practice commitment of a competitive hockey program.

The Future of Ice Hockey in South Florida

The success of the FAU Ice Hockey Club is part of a larger trend of ice hockey growth in the state of Florida. The Owls' visibility and national titles help to popularize the sport in the South Florida region, offering a high-level competitive outlet for players who might otherwise have to travel north for college hockey opportunities. Their home games at Boca Ice in Boca Raton draw dedicated crowds, creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that supports the local hockey community.

The club's strategic decision to focus on the ACHA DIII for the future shows a commitment to long-term stability and growth within a recognized national structure. By building a strong foundation now, the Florida Atlantic University Owls are positioning themselves to continue their championship legacy and become a perennial powerhouse in collegiate club hockey for years to come.

5 Shocking Facts About Florida Atlantic University Hockey: From Club Status to National Champions
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