Fitchburg State University is lacing up for a major expansion of its athletics program, announcing Thursday that women's ice hockey will be added as the university's newest varsity sport.

The university’s Board of Trustees, chaired by Michael Fiorentino Jr., made it official at their meeting Thursday, voting in favor of adding a women’s ice hockey team as the 18th varsity sport at Fitchburg State University.

"This vote today solidifies the Board's commitment to the growth and diversity of our student experience," said Lynn Barrieau, Vice Chair of the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees and chair of the subcommittee that forwarded the proposal for board consideration. "Women's ice hockey will be a fantastic addition, attracting talented new students and fostering a thrilling new tradition on campus. This is a major step forward for the university."

The program is set to hit the ice for the 2027–2028 season.

“Today is a monumental day for Fitchburg State University as we announce the addition of a women’s varsity ice hockey team,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “It reflects our deep commitment to supporting women’s athletics and creating meaningful opportunities for our female student‑athletes. It also underscores how Fitchburg State continues to gain momentum — growing stronger as an institution, increasing our impact, and showing that we truly value the dedication, talent, and passion of all our students.”

Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Commissioner Angela Baumann said that she is extremely excited to expand MASCAC membership in women’s ice hockey to include Fitchburg State University.  

“The outstanding leadership of President Hodge and Athletic Director Matt Burke have brought this dream to a reality for the outstanding Fitchburg ice hockey community,” said Baumann.   

The launch of a women's varsity ice hockey program gives aspiring female student-athletes a new opportunity to compete at the NCAA level and marks a significant commitment to growing women's athletics on campus.

“The addition of women’s ice hockey as a varsity sport at Fitchburg State represents an exciting and strategic step forward for our athletics program,” said Burke. “Women’s hockey is among the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we’re proud to be part of that momentum. This new program will provide meaningful opportunities for our female student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level while continuing their academic pursuits. We look forward to building a team that embodies the competitive spirit and values of Fitchburg State.”

The Fitchburg State men’s ice hockey team has been a pillar of success under the tutelage of veteran coach Dean Fuller. The Falcons continue to soar to new heights, winning the MASCAC championship last winter and advancing to the prestigious NCAA Division 3 tournament with a 3-1 victory over Mass. College of Liberal Arts. It was the Falcons’ first MASCAC championship since 2018.

The women’s team will play its home games at the Wallace Civic Center – also the home of the men’s ice hockey team. The women will have their own locker room space, ice time for games and practices, and use of the Landry Arena – a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning and indoor practice facility.

The inaugural Fitchburg State University roster in the 2027–2028 season will feature incoming freshmen, current students and transfers.

Participation in women’s ice hockey at the collegiate level has seen significant growth over the past 10 years, up 39 percent, with participation growing from 2,121 to 2,947, according to information from NCAA.org. According to the New England Hockey Journal, the number of girls’ ice hockey teams in Massachusetts at the high school level increased from 125 to 211 over a 10-year period from 2013-2023.

The Fitchburg State women’s ice hockey club will continue to operate and there will be an increase in the number of games at the club level in 2026-2027.

There will be a nationwide search for a full-time head women’s varsity ice hockey coach. Once hired, the coach can immediately begin recruiting student-athletes.

Courtesy of Fitchburg State Communications