5 Shocking Facts About Coastal Carolina University Ice Hockey: The Club Team That Became A Championship Dynasty
The Coastal Carolina University (CCU) Ice Hockey team is one of the most successful, yet least-known, sports dynasties in South Carolina collegiate athletics. As of December 23, 2025, the team, affectionately known as the Chants Hockey, is deep into its 2025-2026 season, continuing its quest for dominance in the Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League (ACCHL). This isn't your typical NCAA Division I program; it's a club team that has built a powerhouse through sheer grit, strategic coaching, and a unique, long-distance home-ice advantage.
The story of the Chanticleers on the ice is a compelling narrative of success against the odds, especially considering the university's location in Conway, South Carolina, a region not exactly known for its frozen ponds. Their recent history is defined by multiple championship titles, elite coaching, and a dedicated fanbase that follows them across state lines, proving that a lack of on-campus ice is no barrier to building a winning culture.
Coastal Carolina University Ice Hockey: Team Profile and Biography
The Coastal Carolina University Ice Hockey team is an official club sport that operates outside of the NCAA structure, competing in a highly competitive regional league. Despite their club status, their record rivals many top-tier programs.
- University: Coastal Carolina University (CCU)
- Location: Conway, South Carolina
- Team Nickname: Chants Hockey / Chanticleers
- Current Status: Men's Club Ice Hockey
- Primary League: Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League (ACCHL)
- Division: ACCHL Division III (DIII) / ACHA Men's Division 3 (M3)
- Head Coach: Brad Surdam
- Official Home Arena: Florence Center (Florence, SC)
- Major Achievements: 3-Time ACCHL Champions (2021, 2022, 2023)
- Key Entities/Rivals: Appalachian State (App State), College of Charleston (COFC), University of Central Florida, High Point University.
The program's success is deeply tied to the leadership of Head Coach Brad Surdam, who has overseen the team’s transformation into a consistent championship contender. The team's ability to recruit talent and maintain a winning record, despite the logistical challenges of a non-traditional hockey market like Myrtle Beach, speaks volumes about the program's foundation.
Fact 1: The Championship Dynasty—Three-Peat ACCHL Dominance
The most compelling fact about CCU Ice Hockey is its recent, undeniable dominance in the ACCHL. The Chanticleers have established themselves as the premier team in the league's DIII division, securing a historic "three-peat" of championship titles in consecutive years.
The team captured the ACCHL Championship in 2021, 2022, and 2023, showcasing a level of consistency rarely seen at the club level. This run of success has elevated the team’s profile within the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and has made every game on their 2025-2026 schedule a must-watch event for opposing teams like the College of Charleston and Appalachian State. This era of Chants Hockey has been defined by clutch performances from players like defenseman Justin Lallak, forward Braden Barnes, and center Owen O'Brien in previous seasons, and the continued excellence of current stars like Brenden Eng Tow, who has been a top scorer for the team.
Their success in the Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League is a testament to the dedication of the players, many of whom are recruited from traditional hockey strongholds but choose the sunny campus of Coastal Carolina University for their education and a chance to play competitive club hockey.
Fact 2: They Are NOT a D1 NCAA Program (The Club Status Reality)
A common question from fans and prospective students is: "Is Coastal Carolina Ice Hockey a Division I program?" The definitive answer is no. Coastal Carolina University's ice hockey team is a Club Sport and competes under the umbrella of the ACHA, not the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).
This distinction is crucial. Club sports are primarily student-run, with less institutional funding and support than varsity NCAA teams like the CCU football or baseball programs. The team’s success is built almost entirely on player dues, fundraising, and the tireless efforts of the coaching staff and team management. They compete in the ACCHL DIII, which features other regional schools in a structured, competitive league format. This club status means that players are not on athletic scholarships for hockey, but rather play for the love of the game and the chance to compete for a national title at the club level.
Fact 3: The Unique "Home Ice" Advantage is 70 Miles Away
One of the most fascinating and challenging aspects of the Chants Hockey program is their home rink situation. For years, the team was known for succeeding "without home ice" on campus, a major logistical hurdle for any ice hockey team.
However, that changed with a pivotal announcement: the team established an official home arena at the Florence Center in Florence, South Carolina. This partnership is a game-changer, giving the Chanticleers a dedicated venue for their home games, practices, and a place to truly call their own. While Florence is approximately 70 miles from the main CCU campus in Conway, the move solidifies the team’s identity and provides a professional-grade environment for their ACCHL DIII contests. This move also highlights the dedication of the club, as players and staff must commute for their "home" games, a rare circumstance in collegiate sports.
Fact 4: The 2025-2026 Season is Poised for Another Title Run
Following their three consecutive championships, the 2025-2026 season holds immense pressure and promise for the Chants. The team continues to be a top contender in the ACCHL DIII, consistently placing high in the standings against rivals like the College of Charleston and High Point University.
The season began with informational meetings and tryout camps, a critical period for Head Coach Brad Surdam to integrate new talent and maintain the championship culture. The schedule is packed with challenging road trips, including matchups against formidable league opponents, all leading up to the ACCHL playoffs. Fans are eagerly tracking the team’s progress through the ACCHL standings, where every win is a step toward securing a coveted playoff berth and a chance to compete for a fourth straight title.
Fact 5: Recruiting Success from Traditional Hockey Markets
Despite being located in a non-traditional hockey state, Coastal Carolina University's Ice Hockey program has become a magnet for talent from across North America. The program's championship history under Coach Surdam and the allure of the Myrtle Beach area lifestyle are powerful recruiting tools.
The roster is often filled with players who hail from traditional hockey hotbeds like Minnesota (e.g., Justin Lallak from Mahtomedi, MN), Massachusetts (e.g., Owen O'Brien from West Roxbury, MA), and other northern states and Canadian provinces. These student-athletes choose CCU for its academics, its beautiful campus, and the opportunity to play for a nationally recognized club program. The blend of southern charm with high-level hockey competition is the unique selling point that has fueled the Chants' championship dynasty and ensures the CCU Ice Hockey program remains a force in the ACCHL DIII for years to come.
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