Memorandum of Cooperation between EUHA and ACHA (USA)

Milestones in university hockey: EUHA and ACHA representatives signed a memorandum

University hockey in Europe made another step forward. During the fourth meeting between the students – hockey players from Europe and America, a memorandum of cooperation was signed by the representatives of both parties. This not only means mutual recognition of university hockey, but also several opportunities for players and coaches themselves.

The ACHA selection (American Collegiate Hockey Association) came to Europe for the fourth time and this year´s confrontation between American and European university students also brought a significant step forward. During this game, the President of EUHA (European University Hockey Association) Jaroslav Straka and Paul Herbert (ACHA) signed a memorandum of cooperation. 15895428_1444338878918886_3233393140109338834_o While university hockey in Europe (EUHL) is only in its fourth season, the American one has more than a century old tradition and currently more than 500 teams fall under ACHA. The signing of this memorandum is a clear sign that college hockey in Europe is moving in the right direction and EUHA (managing authority of EUHL – European University Hockey League) is therefore legally recognized as an international association.

“Thanks to this collaboration, we will try to make an effort to support each other and work on exchange trips not only for players, but also for coaches and referees. We feel satisfaction and we´re proud, because thanks to all our hard work we are recognized as an international association, not only by American ACHA, but also Russian SHL (Student Hockey League), which currently has 114 university teams,” said President of EUHA Jaroslav Straka. He and his colleagues were not only satisfied with the signing of the memorandum, but also with the result of the match between European and American students. “For the first time the American completed a tour, during which they played against our teams, but also against our selection. I believe it is great experience not only for players, but the teams as well. I´m happy that our boys managed to win, because this is also evidence that we are moving the right direction,” said Peter Špankovič, general manager of EUHA. “Already there was one important step, specifically Patrik Rogan, who played for Arizona State University (ACHA) until now is currently a player of our EUHL, precisely in the team of University of Prague, as he also studies at the Charles University,” added Ľubomír Sekeráš, vice president of EUHA.

Text: Janka Dankova

Photo: Peter Brichta, Marian Trizuliak