The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference is an all-sport conference. The conference was formed in 1992. The conference added men's ice hockey to its offerings for 2017-18. The conference is affiliated with both the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the American Collegiate Hockey Association. The conference was formed in cooperation with both organizations as what is hoped to be the first step to the re-start of men's ice hockey as a fully sanctioned sport by the NAIA. Sponsorship of sports that the NAIA doesn't sponsor is nothing new with this conference as it has sponsored men's and women's lacrosse and co-ed bowling when no other conferences in the NAIA would do so. All three are now considered as emerging sports by the NAIA and could be in-line for a national championship within a few years. Five teams joined the conference for the 2017-18 season. The Concordia Cardinals joined the conference for the 2017-18 season. The conference would add the Cleary Cougars for the 2019-20 season.
Membership Changes[]
On November 2, 2024 Sienna Heights University announced they would be starting men's and women's teams for the 2025-26 season. The announcement comes off the heels of fellow WHAC member Concordia Ann Arbor announcing it will cease athletics following the 2024-25 school year, giving SHU the opportunity to create a transfer of hockey operations. No arena arrangement was announced for the Saints as the only close by ice is at the Arrington Ice Arena on the campus of Adrian College. However, the rink already hosts two NCAA teams and five ACHA teams; all of which are run by the college. Leaders of the university, Sienna Heights, announced on June 30, 2025, that Siena Heights University will close at the end of the 2025-26 school year. In their announcement, they cited "the financial situation, operational challenges, and long-term sustainability" as the reasons for the planned closure despite having the largest incoming class in the university's history—445 students—in 2024.[1][2] This will likely mean that the team will not play in the league at all.
Active Membership[]
Former Members[]
| Team | Location | Arena | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia Cardinals | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Arctic Coliseum (Chelsea, Michigan) | 2017-2025; School ended all athletic programs |
Seasons/Champions[]
Links[]
- ↑ Siena Heights University (June 30, 2025). Siena Heights University Announces Closure at the Conclusion of the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Press release.
- ↑ Smith, Jackie (2025-07-01). Students, families weigh options as news of Michigan university closing ‘came out of nowhere’ (en).