The Atlantic Hockey Association is a collegiate athletic conference in the United States that focuses on men's ice hockey. Founded in 2003, it includes teams primarily from the northeastern and midwestern regions. The conference aims to promote competitive ice hockey while providing student-athletes with opportunities for academic and athletic success. The association is a member of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and features several institutions that compete at the Division I level. The teams participate in a regular season followed by a postseason tournament, culminating in the crowning of a conference champion who may qualify for the NCAA tournament.