SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – NCAA Division I men's ice hockey will now be a downtown staple when the American International College (AIC) Division I Men's Ice Hockey program makes Springfield's MassMutual Center the team's home rink.

American International College President Vince Maniaci stated, "AIC is proud to be the only Division I men's ice hockey team able to call Springfield, Massachusetts home. Partnering with the MassMutual Center allows fans to enjoy a high level of competition while supporting many of our hometown players."

Playing all home contests at the MassMutual Center, as well as holding practices, the Yellow Jackets' season opener is scheduled for Friday, October 14 at 7:05 p.m. when new Head Coach Eric Lang 's team takes on Union College, the 2014 national champions, as part of AIC's Homecoming Weekend 2016 festivities.

Lang, who is a two-time AIC alumnus, has returned to his alma mater after spending the last four seasons on the bench at Army West Point as an assistant coach. Lang is honored to be leading the talented Yellow Jackets and excited to be playing at the MassMutual Center.

"What an amazing day for AIC hockey. To be playing and practicing a mile away from AIC's campus in the heart of downtown Springfield, and to be able to call the MassMutual Center our home, is a surreal feeling. I am ecstatic for our student athletes, fans, and our alums. As our team is trying to build a new legacy, having a first class facility like the MassMutual Center that we can call our own, let's everyone know how serious AIC is about building a winning men's ice hockey program. With only 60 Division I men's ice hockey teams in the country, this new partnership promises to bring exciting, high-level college hockey to Springfield," Lang said.

AIC Athletic Director Matthew Johnson echoes Lang's sentiments while reflecting on the team's long affiliation with the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield. "I'd like to start by thanking the Olympia Ice Center for being a great partner for the past 18 years. Today is a monumental day for the AIC athletic department and, more specifically our men's Division I ice hockey program. This is just another example of our higher administration displaying their commitment to athletics and competing at the highest level."

According to Johnson, "The MassMutual Center is a state-of-the-art facility which will significantly enhance AIC's student athlete and spectator viewing experience while allowing the College to attract top level recruits. In addition, AIC feels that playing our games at the MassMutual Center will provide opportunities to host games against major Division I ice hockey programs."

The MassMutual Center is the premier sport and entertainment venue in the Pioneer Valley, located at 1277 Main St., Springfield, Mass. and home to the American Hockey League Springfield Thunderbirds. The MassMutual Center's versatile sports arena has been home to the former Springfield Falcons and Springfield Armor, and has hosted a multitude of college and professional level basketball and hockey games. The arena has undergone several facility upgrades in recent years and features a centralized, four sided scoreboard with a comprehensive content management system and LED lighting that truly delivers fans a unique and memorable experience.

MassMutual Center's General Manager Stacey Church stated, "We are excited to partner with AIC and to have the Yellow Jackets make the MassMutual Center their home rink. Hockey has a great tradition in the MassMutual Center and we are looking forward to creating more hockey memories with AIC this season."

Speaking on behalf of his fellow players, team captain Austin Orszulak shares, "Having the MassMutual center as AIC Hockey's home ice will be a fantastic change and turning point for the program. We're looking forward to starting off the season on October 14 and playing in front of our home fans."

Orszulak was a 2015 Hobey Baker Award nominee and is a Springfield native.