When the Sault College women’s and men’s hockey programs were launched back in 2015, few could have predicted the level of success that would follow. In just eleven seasons, the Cougars have built a powerhouse, capturing an incredible five national titles. The women’s program has led the charge, winning four consecutive American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) national championships, including their most recent title in St. Louis during the 2025–2026 season. The men’s program added to the legacy with a national championship of their own in the spring of 2019, solidifying Sault College as a dominant force in collegiate hockey.
This past weekend, from April 17th to 19th, the Sault College women’s hockey team took another important step toward the future by hosting their 2026–2027 spring camp at the Northern Community Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. As the program prepares for its transition from ACHA Division II to Division I, the camp provided a valuable opportunity for players to showcase their skills, compete at a high level, and begin building chemistry ahead of a historic season.
Looking ahead, the Cougars will return a strong core of 22 players while adding new talent with three forward commits: Maia Hammell of Naughton, Ontario, Alyssa Guy of Redcliff, Alberta, and Mira Morgan of Vancouver, British Columbia. With a championship pedigree, experienced roster, and exciting new additions, Sault College is well-positioned to continue its winning tradition as it enters a new era at the Division I level.
Going into the spring camp, the Cougars have one spot that we will be offering to a forward after last weekend. We are comfortable with what they are at. With that being said, coach Dubas said “as a coaching staff we have expectations for all our players on our roster and they must put the work in during the summer. We were looking to add depth and secondary scoring. So the ability to find the net, finding and driving lanes. Also, strong hockey sense and offensive instincts.”
“The whole entire coaching staff is ecstatic for the new chapter and even more excited for these young women to be able to compete at the D1 level. My biggest message has been we will have to be prepared to play two competitive games back to back. Our conditioning and focus level will have to increase so everyone will have to rise to the occasion” added Dubas.
When asked about the move from DII to DI Dubas said “moving to D1 means Sault College will be a top tier option for female hockey players looking to play post-secondary elite hockey in the American Collegiate Hockey Association as part of the only Canadian team at the D1 level.”
When asked about the move, bench boss Megan Dubas added “it is huge for Sault Ste. Marie, given the growing market for female hockey players, we already see the impact our team is having on the young girls at Sault Female and the Pee Wee. Our team opens the eyes of these young girls, knowing that they could one day be playing college hockey in their hometown.”
