The Yale Bulldogs men's ice hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college ice hockey program that represents Yale University. The team has a rich history, with its first season dating back to 1896, making it one of the oldest college hockey programs in the United States. The Bulldogs compete in the ECAC Hockey conference and have won several championships, including two ECAC regular season titles and one NCAA championship.
Program History
The Yale Bulldogs men’s ice hockey program has a long and storied history, with its first game played in 1896. The team has undergone several transformations over the years, including a period of dormancy during World War II. In the 1950s and 1960s, the team experienced a resurgence in popularity, with the construction of the Ingalls Rink in 1959. The rink, which is still the home of the Bulldogs today, was built through the generosity of David S. Ingalls, a Yale alumnus and hockey enthusiast. The team has had several successful seasons over the years, including its first NCAA championship in 2013.
ECAC Hockey Conference
The Yale Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team competes in the ECAC Hockey conference, which is one of the most competitive conferences in college hockey. The conference was founded in 1961 and includes 12 member schools, including Yale, Harvard, Cornell, and Princeton. The Bulldogs have had several successful seasons in the ECAC, including two regular season titles and several tournament championships. The team’s success in the ECAC has been fueled by its strong rivalry with other conference teams, including Harvard and Cornell.
| Season | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-2013 | 17-9-4 | 22-12-5 |
| 2013-2014 | 14-12-2 | 17-17-5 |
| 2014-2015 | 12-13-3 | 18-19-3 |
NCAA Championship
The Yale Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team won its first NCAA championship in 2013, defeating Quinnipiac University 4-0 in the championship game. The team’s championship season was fueled by its strong defense, which allowed just 1.89 goals per game, and its potent offense, which scored 3.23 goals per game. The team’s championship was a historic moment for the program, marking its first national title in 117 years.
Key Players
The Yale Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team has had several key players over the years, including Conor Morrison, who was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2006, and Chris Higgins, who was a first-round draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2002. The team’s current roster includes several talented players, including forwards Evan Smith and Justin Pearson, and defensemen Graham Lillibridge and Chandler Lindstrand.
- Conor Morrison: Forward, 2002-2006
- Chris Higgins: Forward, 2001-2004
- Evan Smith: Forward, 2020-present
- Justin Pearson: Forward, 2020-present
- Graham Lillibridge: Defenseman, 2020-present
- Chandler Lindstrand: Defenseman, 2020-present
What conference does the Yale Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team compete in?
+The Yale Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team competes in the ECAC Hockey conference.
What is the name of the home arena of the Yale Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team?
+The home arena of the Yale Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team is the Ingalls Rink.
What year did the Yale Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team win its first NCAA championship?
+The Yale Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team won its first NCAA championship in 2013.
