The Penn State women’s team has been admitted into College Hockey America beginning with the 2012-13 season.

“We reviewed their application, made a campus visit and did our due dilligence to see what Penn State could offer the CHA,” said CHA commissioner Bob DeGregorio in a statement. “The directors then voted unanimously to admit Penn State into the CHA.”

“We’re honored and proud to be joining the CHA at this transformational time in our program’s history,” added Nittany Lions coach Josh Brandwene. “Competing right away against such quality teams is a great opportunity for us to hit the ground running and further accelerate our program’s growth and development. It’s an exciting time for Penn State women’s hockey.”

Penn State joins Mercyhurst, Robert Morris, Niagara and Syracuse to make-up the five teams in the CHA. Each team will play four games (two home, two away) against the other league teams during the 2012-13 season. The regular season champion will host the 2013 CHA postseason tournament.