BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - National championship college hockey is coming to the Pelham Civic Center and Ice Arena in 2015, and the greatest benefactor will be the increasingly popular University of Alabama club hockey program.

The City of Pelham and the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide Hockey Club announced yesterday the signing of a comprehensive agreement that will bring the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) national championship tournament to the Pelham Civic Complex in 2015. The agreement will also increase the number of home games and city support for the Alabama program, the hosting of the SEC Hockey Conference (SECHC) tournament this upcoming season and major facility upgrades to benefit the Alabama hockey team.

Pelham mayor Gary Waters said that the increased popularity of Alabama hockey was the primary reason for his city's increased support. "Alabama hockey fans have been turning out in large numbers in recent seasons, and many Pelham area residents have been introduced to this great program and sport," Waters said.

The eight-year-old Alabama hockey program plays an intercollegiate schedule within the ACHA and qualifies for the Division III national championship. Run and funded separately from the University of Alabama athletic department, the team along with seven other SEC schools are members of the SECHC. Alabama won the 2012 SECHC tournament championship and has played in the Division III national championship the last two seasons.

Key elements to the agreement in addition to the national championship tournament include a state-of-the-art locker room addition for the Alabama hockey team, an increase in home games, an increase in practice times and several fan-related activities such as a "Learn to Skate" program. The Pelham site will also be dedicated to providing more programs to increase exposure to the sport and program.

According to Clay Link, president of the University of Alabama Hockey Club, the announcement is a huge boost to a growing program.

"The locker room, the ability to play more home games in front of the big crowds we've been seeing and additional ice time are very exciting developments for Alabama hockey," Link said. "The facility, environment and fan support in Pelham is a very important factor in having a successful season."

The Alabama hockey team holds team tryouts on September 8-9 (players are non-scholarship) and looks to return 18 players from last year's national championship tournament team. "Our team has national championship aspirations in the 2013-14 season," Link said.

Waters said that Pelham looks forward to working more closely with Alabama hockey.

"We are extremely excited about our partnership with Alabama hockey," he said. "We will be hosting 16 games this season, the most in the history of the program. It's a tremendous opportunity for Alabama hockey and the city of Pelham."