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Denison University Men's Ice Hockey

Introduction

Denison University Men's Ice Hockey is the collegiate ice hockey team representing Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Competing in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), the Big Red program has developed a reputation for excellence on the ice and in academics. In 2025, the team will begin competing in the Tri-State Collegiate Hockey League (TSCHL)(ACHA M2 Southeast Conference), marking a significant milestone in its history.

History

Denison Men’s Hockey was established in 1955. The program initially competed in Midwest Collegiate Hockey League and steadily grew under the leadership of several dedicated coaches. Over the past decade, under the direction of Head Coach Jeff German, the team has seen consistent improvement, including a promotion to ACHA Division 2 competing in the Tri-State Hockey League for the 2025-26 season.

The program has been a proud member of the Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League (ACCHL), where it forged strong relationships and developed a competitive edge. In 2025, the Big Red announced their move to the TSCHL, citing geographical alignment and competitive opportunities as key factors.

Coaches: 1955-1959 Bill Preston 1955-1967 1968-1979 Unknown 1980-1989 Seth Patton 1989-1999 Mike Hartman 2000-2013 Dan Hall 2014-2025 Jeff German

Facilities

Denison Men’s Hockey plays its home games at Lou and Gib Reese Ice Arena, located in Newark, Ohio, only 6 miles from the campus of Denison University. The facility offers public skating, is the home of Newark Ice Hockey Association and has multiple figure skating program. Lou and Gib Reese Ice Arena provides an excellent environment for players and fans alike.

League and Affiliations

Current League: Tri-State Collegiate Hockey League (TSCHL) Former League: Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League (ACCHL) Governing Body: American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), Division 2 American Athletics Union (AAU Division 2) Achievements

Promotion to ACHA Division 2 (2018) Multiple playoff appearances in the ACCHL Virginia Conference Champions 2023-24 ACCHL Elite Runner Up 2023-24 Recognition for academic and athletic excellence among student-athletes Oliver Gignoux - ACCHL Academic Player of the Year 2022-23 Seth Kaplan - ACCHL Academic Player of the Year 2023-24 Jeff German - ACCHL Coach of the Year 2023-24 Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Jeffrey German (2014–Present) Under Coach Jeff German, the team has emphasized leadership, skill development, and a balance between athletics and academics. Player Development

Denison Hockey prides itself on developing student-athletes who excel both on the ice and in the classroom. Several players have gone on to contribute to their communities and pursue careers in Global Commerce, Economics, Law, Medicine, Bio-chemistry and Health Exercise Sciences.

Community and Campus Involvement

The Big Red players are active in the Denison and Granville communities, participating in Youth hockey camps, Furniture banks, food banks and habitat for humanity.

Notable Alumni

Steve Carrel - Goaltender 1980-1984

Notable Denison Alumni

Notable alumni include actors Steve Carell, Hal Holbrook, and Jennifer Garner; SNL comedian Alex Moffat; entertainer John Davidson; Hall of Fame college football coach Woody Hayes; ESPN president George Bodenheimer; Turner Broadcasting System Senior Vice President James Anderson;[98] drag queen and LGBT activist Nina West, former member of Turkish Parliament and current consultant to The Coca-Cola Company Mehmet Cem Kozluformer;[99] United States Senator Richard Lugar; Indy car racer Bobby Rahal; playwright Jeffrey Hatcher; artist Ned Bittinger; author Pam Houston, James Frey; former Disney Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner; American criminologist and father of "evidence-based policing" Lawrence Sherman; former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro; former Princeton University President William Bowen; folklorist, oral historian, author, and podcast host Douglas A. Boyd; professor of religion at Goucher College and theologian at the Washington National Cathedral[100] Kelly Brown Douglas;[101] Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean of the Washington National Cathedral.[102]

Future Goals

Denison Hockey aims to establish itself as a powerhouse in the TSCHL while continuing to develop well-rounded student-athletes. The program seeks to grow its fan base, attract top-tier talent, and compete for championships at the ACHA Division 2 level. Ultimately, Denison has it’s sights on promotion to ACHA Division 1 and perhaps, ultimately NCAA Division 3.

References ACCHL WWW.acchockey.com Denison Hockey www.denisonhockey.com