Dr. Alan Murdoch

- ACHA BUILDER

Founding Member of the ACHA

Founding Member of the Central States Collegiate Hockey League, Men’s Division 1

Head Coach& General Manager: Iowa State University, Men’s Division 1 (1969-2014)

ACHA President, (1991-1992)

ACHA Men’s Division 1 Vice President (1999-2001)

Dr. Alan Murdoch’s commitment and contributions to the development of ACHA hockey and college hockey are vast. He founded the Iowa State University Men’s Hockey program in 1969, and for the next 44 years helped create and sustain a program that became the template for many that came after. Alan also started a women’s program and men’s JV team, both which grew into ACHA programs.

During his time with the Cyclone program, Murdoch amassed a record of 1071-521-46. The win total is the most of any collegiate hockey coach. Iowa State won the Inaugural Men’s Division 1 National Championship in 1992. The team was also National Runner Up three times (1996, 1997, & 2010). In 1993, the Men’s Division 1 National Championship Cup was named the “Murdoch Cup” to honor his contributions to the ACHA.

“Al” as he known by all, is continually working to raise the profile of the ACHA. He spent decades being involved in USA Hockey, serving on various committees for the organization, and being the ACHA rep to the USAH for many years. Dr. Murdoch was instrumental in getting ACHA players to represent the United States in the World University Games. Alan was the first Head Coach of Team USA to go to the games in 2001. USA Hockey has recognized his contributions by awarding him the Adult Member of the Year in 2012 and with the President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to USA Hockey in 2019.

 

Mike Sargo

- ACHA PLAYER

Player: West Virginia University, Men’s Division 1 (1996-2000)

Mike Sargo was the definition of a goal scorer in the first decade of the ACHA’s existence. The list of the records that he holds is extensive. At the National level, Sargo led Men’s Division 1 in goal scoring for two consecutive years (1991 & 2000). He holds seven records in the East Coast Hockey Association, in goals in a season (43) and Points in a Game (11). Almost 20 years after his final game, Mike still has seven records at West Virginia, most notably Career Points (330), Career Goals (210), and Points in a Season (96).

Mr. Sargo was voted as Men’s Division 1 All American First Team three consecutive seasons (1998-2000). In his senior season, he helped lead the Mountaineers to their first National Championship appearance, where he was selected to the All-Tournament Team.

Dr. Gerald Caple

- ACHA BUILDER

Head Coach: Northern Arizona University (1971-1981)

Dr. Caple was responsible for the creation of the Northern Arizona hockey program in 1971. For the next decade he helped organize, advice, manage and coach the Lumberjacks building a respected program in the area and the nation.

The success led to NAU moving the program to NCAA Division 1 status in the 1981-82 season. In 1991, Northern Arizona club hockey program was resurrected and soon became a member of the recently formed ACHA. As a distinguished faculty member of the NAU’s Chemistry department, Dr. Caple was provided advice and guidance for the new program and helped support and grow the Lumberjacks ACHA team.

He continues to support the programs that he helped to build with involvement in alumni events and fundraisers, and can be found in the rink anytime NAU plays in Tucson vs. University of Arizona.

Thomas Krysil

- ACHA PLAYER

Player, United States Naval Academy (2011-2014)

Mr. Krysil is the all-time goal scorer in Navy history, scoring 166 goals along with 121 assists while a Midshipman. His offense ability made Thomas the leading scorer in Men’s Division 1 for three consecutive seasons (2012-2014). Krysil was part of the USNA teams to go to National Tournament in 2013 and 2014. Thomas also represented his country by being part of Team USA at the 2013 World University Games, held in Torino, Italy. That team finished the highest of any USA hockey squad, placing fourth in the world.

Dan Morris

- ACHA PLAYER / BUILDER

Player: Ohio University, Men’s Division 1 (1994-1997)

Head Coach: Ohio University, Men’s Division 1 (2001-2013)

Mr. Morris induction is in recognition of both his accomplishments as a player and as a Coach in the ACHA. In the three seasons that he played at OU, the Bobcats won the Men’s Division 1 National Championship each year (1994-1997), with Morris being named the Tournament MVP in 1996. Dan was also was voted a ACHA Men’s Division 1 First Team All American twice during his time at Ohio. His 123 goals are still a program record.

As a Head Coach, Morris holds the record for wins with 344, and the single season wins record with 34 in 2012-2013. In 2004, the program won their fourth National Championship, with Dan becoming the first person to win a National Championship as a player and a coach.

He was inducted in the Ohio University Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.

 

Mike Radakovich

- ACHA BUILDER

Head Coach: University of Michigan, Men’s Division 2 (1998-2002)

ACHA Southeast Regional Coordinator: Men’s Division 2 (1999-2001)

ACHA Vice President: Men’s Division 2 (2002-2003)

ACHA Commissioner: Men’s Division 2 (2003-2015)

ACHA Interim Commissioner: Women’s Division (2009-2010)

ACHA Director of Operations for Men’s Division 2 Select Team (2007-2014)

The “King of Swag,” named because of his seemingly endless amount of ACHA apparel that he had, was involved with the ACHA for nearly 20 years. During that time, he was part of seemingly every aspect the organization. Always willing to volunteer his time and talents, he not only served in the above roles, but helped with the website and other Divisions. He helped form the Great Midwest Hockey League in 2001 and served as the GMHL Commissioner for the first two years of its existence (2001-2003).

Mike was directly responsible for the first broadcast of the National Championship in 2005. He continued to push the limits of technology and interactive ideas through his time as Commissioner. As the Commissioner, Men’s Division 2 saw explosive growth, both in numbers and a geographic footprint that went coast to coast. In the early 2000’s, Radakovich was able to expand the postseason with the creation of the Regionals, which increased the number of teams that had a chance for Nationals appearance from 16 to 40. He further enlarged the field to 48 a decade later, with the addition of League Auto bids. Mr. Radakovich received the Don Spencer Award in 2007 recognizing his outstanding service and leadership to the ACHA.

His influence was not just reserved to North America, as he was part of the group to spearhead the creation of the Men’s Division 2 Select Team, which traveled to play teams in Europe. As part of this, the All-Star Challenge was formed, which not only gave players a chance to be scouting for the Select Team but brought All Star teams from leagues throughout the nation to compete after the season.

In October 2015, Mr. Radakovich passed away. On April 29, 2016, he was posthumously inducted into the ACHA Hall of Fame with his wife, Donna, accepting on his behalf. To honor his memory, in May 2020, the teams of Men’s Division 2 voted to rename the National Championship Trophy after him.

 

Marshall Stevenson

- ACHA BUILDER

Head Coach: Towson University, (1988-2005)

ACHA Secretary, (1994-2004)

ACHA President, (2004-2016)

ACHA Representative to American Hockey Coaches Association, (2006-2014)

Mr. Stevenson was involved with the ACHA for the first 25 years of existence. As the Head Coach of Towson University, the Tigers were one of the inaugural members in newly formed ACHA. Marshall spent 17 years at Towson, finishing with a 357-165-34 record with program. The team made eight ACHA National Tournament appearances during that time.

Stevenson holds the distinction of the being the longest serving board member in ACHA History at 21 years, first as Secretary and then as the President. When he was elected President, the ACHA stood at 273 teams and four divisions (three Men’s Division and a Women’s Division). When he stepped down, the ACHA had reached 467 total teams, and an additional division, Women’s Division 2.

Marshall was recognized for his contributions to the ACHA in 2009, when he received the Don Spencer Award for outstanding service and leadership to the ACHA. IN, 2014, USA Hockey selected him as the Adult Member of the Year.

 

Brent Cooper

- ACHA PLAYER

Player: Oakland University, Men’s Division 1 & 2 (2005-2007)

Arriving as a transfer from University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2005, Cooper immediately became an impact player. He set the all-time assists record for the Golden Grizzlies with 48, finishing the 2005-2006 season with second most points in team history.

During Brent’s time at Oakland, he was part of back-to-back National Champions, in 2006 as part of Division 2 team, and then in 2007, in OU’s first year at Division 1. He was selected to the All-Tournament First Team in during both championship runs.

Mr. Cooper continues to be part of Oakland University hockey, attending many games, speaking to the players in the locker room and as part of the OU Hockey Alumni Association.

Justin Sand

- ACHA PLAYER

Player: Michigan State, Men’s Division 2 (2006-2010)

Justin Sand is considered to be one of the best goalies in the ACHA during his time at Michigan State. This dominance between the pipes helps lead the Spartans to National Championship in 2007, where he was named to the All-Tournament First Team and was selected as the MVP of the Tournament. He also was selected to the Men’s Division 2 All American First Team for the 2006-2007 season. In two tours with the Select Team in Europe, he was undefeated, going 5-0-0.

After graduating, Mr. Sand was able to represent the ACHA at the professional level with HK Acroni Jesenice in Europe, the Danville Dashers of the FHL, and the Toledo Walleyes of the ECHL.

 

William (BJ) DePaoli

- ACHA PLAYER

Player: California University of Pennsylvania, Men’s Division 3 (2004-2009)

DePaoli was the first Men’s Division 3 player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. During his time at Cal U, he set over 12 club records, many that still stand today. In 122 games, William recorded 179 goals and 234 assists, for a total of 413 points. He is the only player for the program to have over 400 points for a career.

His awards include: 2008 ACHA Men’s Division 3 Player of the Year, ACHA All American First Team twice, Atlantic Region Player of the Year twice, and All Atlantic Region First team three times. Mr. DePaoli also captained the Vulcans to the 2008 National Championship, where he was named to the All-Tournament First Team.

Zoe Harris

- ACHA BUILDER

General Manager/Assistant Coach: University of Washington, Women’s Division 1 (1999-2004) Co-Vice President, Women’s Division 1 (1998-2004)

Zoe was instrumental in pioneering the birth of the Women’s Division in the year 2000. She served as Co-Vice President of the division and worked tirelessly recruiting the first women’s teams into the division. She established a set of rules and regulations for the new division that were eventually incorporated into the ACHA Policies and Procedures Manual. Zoe was also instrumental in the appointment of the first women’s commissioner. All of these efforts were accomplished as Zoe was coaching the ACHA Men’s Division II team at the University of Washington.

In recognition of the Harris’ contributions to the Women’s Divisions in the ACHA, the National Player of the Year award was renamed the Zoe Harris Most Valuable Player Award in 2004 for Division 1 and in 2006 for Division 2.

Glenn Detulleo

- ACHA PLAYER

Player: Iowa State University, Men’s Division 1 (1998-2001)

Detulleo was considered one of the most dangerous offensive players during his time in the ACHA. During his first season in Ames, he tallied 39 and 47 assists in 40 games for the Cyclones. Glenn backed that up the following year by leading the Central State Collegiate Hockey League in scoring with 58 goals and 52 assists. He was named to the ACHA Men’s Division 1 All-Star Team for his performance during the season. In his final season at Iowa State, he again led the CSCHL in scoring, was selected to the All-Tournament First Team at the National Championships and was selected again to the All-Star Team. He capped off an impressive career by receiving the 2000-2001 Bob Johnson Award, given to the ACHA Player of the Year. He finished at Iowa State with 318 points (142 goals and 176 assists) in 131 game.

Mr. Detulleo then represented the ACHA by embarking on a 11-year professional career which including stints with the UHL, IHL, and SPHL. He also played in Europe in Norway and Germany. After playing, Detulleo was selected to be the Head Coach and GM of the Huntsville Havoc of the SPHL in 2012.

Adam Thomas

- ACHA PLAYER

Player: Davenport University, Men’s Division 2 (2005-2010)

Thomas was key part of the rise of the DU program in the late 2000’s. Considered one of the most dangerous forwards in Men’s Division 2, Adam amassed 339 points, a program record, in his five seasons with the Panthers.

Adam was part of the Davenport teams that won three consecutive National Championships (2007-2010). DU made it to at least the semifinals all five years of Thomas career. He was voted to the All-Tournament First Team in 2008 and 2010, as well as being selected the Tournament MVP in 2010.

Mr. Thomas accolades included being All Central Region First team three times, Central Region MVP, ACHA Men’s Division 2 All-American First Team twice, and was the 2008-2009 ACHA Men’s Division 2 Player of the Year.

 

Alon Eizenman

- ACHA PLAYER

Player: Penn State University, Men’s Division 1 (1997-2001)

In his four years at State College, Eizenman amassed 259 points (95 goals and 164 assists) in just 126 games. Alon’s offensive prowess helped Penn State four consecutive National Championship Appearances, winning three of the time (1998, 2000, & 2001). He became the first PSU player to be selected to four consecutive ACHA Men’s Division 1 All-American Teams, and was named as a Academic All-American in his Junior and Senior years. In 2000, Alon was selected as the ACHA Men’s Division 1 Player of the Year. His excellence was in full display during the National Championships, as Alon was named to the All-Tournament Team for three consecutive years, including being named the Most Valuable Player in 2000 and 2001.

Mr. Eizenman also represented Israel in the IIHF Group D World Championships in 2000 and 2005. He also played two seasons in France fore A.S.G Tours of the French Elite Pro Hockey League.

Rich Holdeman

- ACHA BUILDER

Head Coach, Indiana University, Men’s Division 2 (1992-2003, 2004-2006)

Holdeman became the first inductee from a Men’s Division 2 program. During his 13 years at the helm of program, the Hoosiers never had a losing season. His 251-116-19 record helped send IU to 10 National Tournaments, where they made Championship game appearances in 1995, 1998, and 2000.

Rich coaching accomplishments were recognized in 2002, when he was selected as the National Coach of the Year. This was the first time this award was given a coach at the Division 2 level. Three years later, Mr. Holdeman was chosen as the Southeast Region Coach of the Year for Men’s Division 2.

Craig McCarthy

- ACHA BUILDER

Head Coach: Ohio University, Men’s Division 1 (1993-2001)

In his eight years at the helm of the program, the Bobcats posted a 215-46-14 record, including going 25-6-1 at the National Tournament. McCarthy saw his OU team raise the Cup three consecutive years from 1995 to 1997 as Men’s Division 1 Champions. Outside of the wins, Ohio finished in the top three in the nation four more times during McCarthy’s tenure.

Ohio University also dominated their league, winning four Central States Collegiate Hockey League (CSCHL) regular season titles (1994-1996, 2000) and three CSCHL Playoff Championships (1995, 1996, 2000). Craig was named the CSCHL Coach of Year four times (1995, 1996, 1999, & 2000) and was selected as the ACHA Men’s Division 1 Coach of the Year in 1998.

Mr. McCarthy was inducted into the Ohio University Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008.

 

Will McMahon

- ACHA PLAYER

Player- Oakland University Men’s Division 2 (2002-2006), Men’s Division 1 (2007)

McMahon was the second player to be inducted into the ACHA Hall of Fame, and the first to have played at the Division 2 level. The list of accomplishments for the Oakland University player is second to none.

He finished his career with 380 points (238 goals and 142 assists), averaging over two points per game. While in Division 2, Will was named the Central Region Player of the Year, First Team All American, and the National Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons (2003-2006). When the Golden Grizzlies moved to Division 1 for his final season, he capped off his career with being named a First Team All American and Division 1 Player of Year in 2007. He is the only player to have received the Player of Year award for two different Divisions.

Mr. McMahon helped Oakland to three National Championships, 2004 and 2006 at Division 2 and Division 1 in 2007. He was named as the National Tournament MVP in 2004 and 2007.

His #18 jersey is only one to ever be retired by the Oakland University program.

 

Doug Waack

- ACHA BUILDER

Head Coach/GM, Eastern Michigan University 

 

Treasurer (1995-1999)

Josh Brandwene

- ACHA BUILDER

Player: Penn State University, (1988-1991)

Head Coach: West Virginia University (1994-1995), University of Delaware (1996-2003) University of Michigan-Dearborn (2003-2004)

ACHA President (1997-2004)

Josh participated in all levels of the ACHA; starting as a player at Penn State, then coaching at several ACHA schools, and finally was the ACHA’s third President serving from 1997-2004.

During his time as President the ACHA experience substantial growth with 84 teams in the association at the start of his tenure and 278 teams in 2004. During this time, two new divisions, Men’s Division 3 and the Women’s Division were brought into being.

Brandwene had several successful coaching stints as well. While at West Virginia, He helped lead the Mountaineers to their first every ACHA National Tournament in 1995. A year later, he became the head coach at the University of Delaware. During his seven seasons in Newark, the Blue Hens went to the National Tournament each year, had reaching the Championship game in 2001. His last stop was at the University of Michigan-Dearborn for the 03/04 season, helping to lead the team their first winning season in three years.

Joe Battista

- ACHA BUILDER

Founding Member of ACHA

Head Coach, Penn State, Men’s Division 1 (1987-2006)

ACHA President: (1993-1995)

Joe was one of the founding members of the ACHA in 1991

Mr. Battista was the Head Coach of the Penn State University Icers, for 19 years, compiling a record of 512-120-27 during those 19 seasons. Under his coaching the Icers made the ACHA National Championship game 12 times, winning six times. Joe was voted the ACHA Men’s Division 1 Coach of the Year twice, in 1999-2000 and 2001-2002. He served as the ACHA’s second President from 1993-1995.

Along with the ACHA Hall of Fame, Battista also has been elected to the Halls of Fame for Penn State Hockey, Penn Hill Sports, and the Pennsylvania Sports.

 

Jesse Hubenschmidt

- ACHA PLAYER

Player: University of Michigan-Dearborn, Men’s Division 1 (1992-1996)

Mr. Hubenschmidt was the first player to be inducted into the ACHA Hall of Fame. During this playing career, Jesse amassed 185 goals and 186 assists in 136 games at UMD. He led the nation in scoring during his junior year with 128 pts. Michigan-Dearborn went to the National Tournament in all four years of Hubenschmidt’s career. He was selected as a First Team All American in both his junior and senior year, and a finalist for the National Player of Year award in 1995 and 1996, winning the award in 1995.

Hubenschmidt has also been inducted into the University of Michigan-Dearborn Hall of Fame. His scoring record at UMD still stands and his #25 jersey remains the only one to be retired in the program’s history.

Tom Keegan

- ACHA BUILDER

Founding member of the ACHA

Executive Director, (1991-1994)

Mr. Keegan was the individual who first saw the need for a national organization for non-varsity collegiate hockey programs. 1991 He was the motivator and facilitator in the development and the early years of the ACHA. Tom was involved with the ACHA from 1991-1995.

Don Spencer

- ACHA BUILDER

Founding member of the ACHA

Head Coach/General Manager, West Virginia University, Men’s Division 1 & 2 (1998-1999)

Treasurer (1991-1995)

Don Spencer was part of the ACHA from 1991-1999. He served as the Chair of the Policy and Procedure Manual Committee, writing the first draft of the document, helping to build the backbone of how ACHA functions to this day. Don also helped establish the incorporation, the first ACHA logo, and formed the first committee to recognize annual awards for players and coaches.

As a coach, Spencer led the WVU Men’s Division 1 team for five seasons, accumulating a 68-48-5 record. As a General Manager, he saw the Mountaineers rise in prominence to being a top ten team in Men’s Division 1 and an appearance in the 1996 National Tournament.

Mr. Spencer also is credited with a revolutionary equipment advancement that changed hockey forever, with the design of the first fiberglass goalie mask.

In recognition of his contributions to the organization, the ACHA established a Volunteer Service award in Don Spencer’s name in 2001.