Courtesy St. Michael’s Sports Information

COLCHESTER – Saint Michael’s College was one of six institutions that announced the creation of a scheduling alliance for its women’s ice hockey program on Tuesday, beginning with the 2017-18 school year.

The Purple Knights join Division I institutions College of the Holy Cross and Sacred Heart University, and fellow Division II members Franklin Pierce University, Post University and Saint Anselm College to account for 20 of its contests next season, as all schools will meet four times during the regular season.

“We are excited about next year’s alliance, as it will provide our student-athletes with a highly competitive schedule against well-respected teams and familiar rivals,” said head coach Chris Donovan. The Purple Knights, who have been league counterparts of each school but Post, began playing Holy Cross and Sacred Heart in 2001-02, Saint Anselm in 2004-05, and Franklin Pierce in 2012-13. Saint Michael’s has yet to oppose Post, a first-year varsity program.

The six will also participate in a postseason tournament while student-athletes will be able to earn weekly honors throughout the season. Saint Michael’s will still have room to add non-conference games to its docket, including hosting the 13th annual DoubleTree Ice Hockey Classic around New Year’s, and complete a full 26-game regular-season slate.