Reading, Pa. (Mar. 2, 2018) - Alvernia University Athletic Director Bill Stiles announced Friday the addition of Women's Ice Hockey as the university's 27th varsity sport.

The national search for a head coach will begin immediately, and the Golden Wolves will hit the ice starting in the fall of 2019.

"The addition of women's ice hockey as Alvernia's 27th sport is a continuation of consistent and strategic growth to provide additional opportunities to talented student-athletes in our region and beyond," said Stiles.  "We believe that women's ice hockey will allow Alvernia to attract student-athletes from outside our typical recruiting markets, including internationally. The prospect for talented young women to continue their ice hockey and academic careers beyond high school and clubs is limited and we are delighted to provide that opportunity while advancing Alvernia's strategic initiatives."

Alvernia will be just the seventh Division III college or university to sponsor Women's Ice Hockey as a varsity sport, and will be the fifth member of the Middle Atlantic Conference which just wrapped up its inaugural season with Stevenson, Manhattanville, Lebanon Valley, and King's all participating.  Wilkes University will join the league schedule in 2018-19 with Alvernia coming on board for the MAC's third season.

Alvernia will practice and compete at The Body Zone and Santander Arena.

Body Zone Sports And Wellness Complex is a 160,000 sq. ft. facility located in Wyomissing that features two NHL-sized ice rinks.  Santander Arena is a 7,000 seat multipurpose arena located in downtown Reading.  It is the home of the Reading Royals--affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers

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