Ice Hockey East is a collegiate ice hockey conference in the United States, primarily featuring teams from the northeastern region. Established in 1984, it includes schools from the NCAA Division I level, promoting competitive play among its member institutions. The conference is known for its strong hockey tradition and has produced numerous professional players who have gone on to compete in the NHL and other leagues. Notable member schools include Boston University, Boston College, and University of Massachusetts Lowell, all of which have rich histories in college hockey.