Cape Breton University Hosts Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association Championship

Cape Breton University is proud to host the Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Championship from March 7-9, 2025, at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre. The tournament will see the CAPERS Women’s Hockey team face off against Acadia University and Holland College in an exciting competition, leading to a championship game on Sunday.

“Hosting the ACHA Championship is an exciting moment for Cape Breton University, particularly as we prepare to open the Canada Games Complex this spring,” says CBU President and Vice-Chancellor, David Dingwall. “This new facility, dedicated to women’s hockey, will be the first of its kind in Canada. Events like the ACHA Championship demonstrate the passion for women’s hockey on our Island and the importance of investing in its future.”

Alyssa Burke, a forward for the CAPERS, is looking forward to the weekend’s competition. “It’s incredible to host this championship right here in Cape Breton, especially on International Women’s Day,” says Burke. “Women’s hockey has come so far, and with the Canada Games Complex opening soon, we know the best is yet to come. We can’t wait to compete in front of our home crowd and show what the CAPERS are all about.”

Beyond the action on the ice, fans will have the opportunity to engage with the history and future of women’s hockey. Dr. Bettina Callary, CBU professor and Canada Research Chair in Sport Coaching and Adult Learning, will be on-site on Saturday, leading an interactive display where attendees can contribute their own knowledge and experiences with the sport. Additionally, the Blizzards Hockey Association will host a poster-making station in the lobby before each CAPERS game, encouraging fans to create personalized signs to cheer on their team.

CBU student and captain of the CAPERS, Leila Ludyka, recently joined President Dingwall on the Cape Breton Accents Podcast to discuss her role in the sport as well as her involvement in Dr. Callary’s research. She says hockey has brought so much to her life and she hopes the next generation of players gets to experience even more opportunities. 

For those looking to attend the tournament, tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 for a weekend pass or $5 per game, with free admission for children under 12. Cape Breton University encourages the community to come out in full force to support these athletes and celebrate the future of women’s hockey.

The ACHA Championship is made possible with the support of sponsors including Cape Breton Hyundai, Protocase, Cape Breton Credit Unions, Subway, and Cape Breton Beverages.

For more information on the tournament schedule, visit cbu.ca/capershockey