Becker College is officially closing. Right on top of that, neighboring Worcester State (the men play in the MASCAC, which has no women's conference) has announced they will field a varsity NCAA Women's Ice Hockey squad starting next season, and have encouraged Becker players to transfer there. To further the absorption narrative, Worcester State has already hired Becker HC Eliza Kelly to be their inaugural HC and signed a deal with the rink Becker played in. Kelly coached Becker for six seasons prior to the closure of the school.
It is sad to see one of the 25 oldest colleges/universities in the country folding. Their squad may have been feeble compared to more successful programs but their players appeared to have a lot of pride in their program, often showing up to Beantown as a squad to compete over the summer. I'm glad another program is launching to make up the numbers and specifically trying to offer players from Becker a place to play that is in the same town as where they've been going. Here's hoping the players will continue playing, either at Worcester State or any other institution they are able to transfer to.
It is sad to see one of the 25 oldest colleges/universities in the country folding. Their squad may have been feeble compared to more successful programs but their players appeared to have a lot of pride in their program, often showing up to Beantown as a squad to compete over the summer. I'm glad another program is launching to make up the numbers and specifically trying to offer players from Becker a place to play that is in the same town as where they've been going. Here's hoping the players will continue playing, either at Worcester State or any other institution they are able to transfer to.