ANNVILLE, Pa. – Lebanon Valley College's ice hockey program has been accepted into the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association (ECHA) league for the 2011-2012 campaign. The Dutchmen, currently competing as an independent, are a first-year member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).

The Dutchmen are currently one of eight independent teams in ACHA hockey. Next year, Lebanon Valley will join Drexel, Lehigh, Penn State Berks, Scranton, Towson, Villanova, and the U.S. Naval Academy in the ECHA. LVC plays ECHA members 16 times this season, and is 6-1 against ECHA competition so far this year. Unable to qualify for the National Tournament this year, the Dutchmen will be eligible for the ECHA playoffs next season.

LVC will continue its 2010-11 schedule Wednesday night, hosting Lehigh at Hersheypark Arena.