Liberty Men’s D1 Ice Hockey Enters ACHA Championships Eyeing First Place

As Liberty Division I men’s ice hockey winds down the 2021-2022 campaign, the Flames now turn their eyes to the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) National Championship. The Flames begin postseason play March 12 when the they travel to St. Louis for a bout against No. 12 Illinois in the first round of the tournament. 

Liberty has continued to demonstrate why it deserves a No. 5 ranking in the country as the team now sits at 20-9 with only one game remaining before nationals.  

This season’s success may come as a surprise to some given the relative youthfulness of the team with the team adding 12 new players this season. Head Coach Kirk Handy said that he was pleased with his team’s effort all season long.  

“I think the core piece for us as a culture that we have on and off the ice,” Handy said. “This year with 11 new players coming in the fall and adding one more in the spring, I’m super proud of the way our guys have managed the season. It’s a long season, and you want to be able to manage it well. So, I am proud of the way our guys have managed it well.”

According to Handy, the team’s success can be attributed to the work of the upperclassmen and veterans on the team. 

“I think it talks to our senior leadership we have on the team and the way those seniors have embraced the new guys on the team and made them feel welcome and really set the ball in motion here to try and have them do that again next year,” Handy said. “It becomes where the seniors leave a real powerful legacy with the new players who are coming in.” 

The 2022 season included some big changes for the squad with the team electing to leave the Eastern States Collegiate Hockey League to become independent. This change allowed the team to schedule tougher opponents to better prepare the players for the postseason. 

“I think the strength of schedule’s been very, very important for us this year, and it’s allowed us as we’ve gone on to be more consistent with the top teams in the country,” Handy said.

The Flames’ matchup against Illinois will mark the second occasion of the two squads crossing paths. The Flames already defeated the Fighting Illini Nov. 20 in Chicago. Yet, Handy chooses to keep an internal focus on the team instead of worrying about individual opponents.

“I think for us, it’s nice to have played (Illinois) already. But, more importantly is how we’re executing going into that game,” Handy said. “The focus will be on us and what we’re doing. I think we’re going to be in a great spot come Saturday against Illinois.”

Before the Flames can travel to St. Louis for nationals, the team will make a quick stop in Chesterfield, Missouri, for a game against Maryville March 8. 

The ACHA National Championship will take place March 10-15 and will feature a total of 20 teams. 

Shields is the asst. sports editor. Follow him on Twitter