MAC to Receive Automatic Bids in NCAA D-III Men’s, Women’s Ice Hockey

A new era is at hand in the Middle Atlantic Conference. The MAC will have Automatic Qualifier status for the NCAA Division III men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments beginning with the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The MAC has sponsored men’s and women’s ice hockey as a championship sport since 2017-18, but the conference was not eligible for an NCAA championship automatic berth with fewer than six institutions sponsoring the sports. In 2024-25, with the addition of Misericordia men’s ice hockey and Hood women’s ice hockey, under NCAA legislation, the MAC will be immediately eligible for automatic berths in the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Championships.

Men’s ice hockey programs operating under the MAC banner include Alvernia, Arcadia, King’s, Lebanon Valley, Misericordia and Stevenson. The women’s alignment will include Alvernia, Arcadia, Hood, King’s, Lebanon Valley, and Stevenson.

MAC Executive Director Megan Morrison calls the move a step forward.

“This is the next logical step in the growth of ice hockey in the Middle Atlantic region,” she said. “The UCHC has been a good home for MAC institutions sponsoring ice hockey and we hope to continue that partnership through mutual scheduling arrangements to support the growth of the sport even further.”
The teams will play a triple-round robin schedule with the top four teams qualifying for the single-elimination conference playoffs.

The schools that previously were affiliated with the United Collegiate Hockey Conference have ended that affiliation.

The Middle Atlantic Conference contributed to this post.

Bud Wilkins Obituary

Edmond “Bud” James Wilkins Jr, aged 73, passed away on August 27, 2024, at St. Mary’s Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Bud was a cherished resident of Langhorne, PA, where he was known for his dedication to community service and his unwavering commitment to his family and friends.

Born in Camden, NJ, Bud was the beloved son of Edmond Wilkins Sr. and E. Ora Wilkins (nee Hagan). He graduated from Egan High School in 1969, where he remained actively involved, including serving on the reunion committee. Bud continued his education at the University of Hawaii, which set the foundation for his long and fulfilling career.

Bud spent over 50 years working as a manager at Big Marty’s Carpet, a role in which he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Following his retirement, he took on the role of a Crossing Guard for the Neshaminy School District, demonstrating his continued commitment to his community. Bud also proudly served in the United States Navy as a Cryptologist for four years, earning the National Defense Service Medal and a Navy Commendation Medal.

Bud’s passion for hockey and youth development was evident in his 35 years of service with Neshaminy Ice Hockey, where he was a dedicated Club President and a long-time commissioner for USA Hockey. He also served as an elected board member and secretary for the Suburban High School Hockey League. His volunteer work extended to the Special Olympics, local orphanages, and numerous other charitable organizations. Bud was a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus member and supported causes such as the Gift of Life and Project Children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and E. Ora Wilkins, and his sister Margaret Johnson (nee Wilkins). Bud is survived by his devoted wife Kathy Wilkins (nee Hogan), his son Mark Wilkins (Sarah), and his daughter Erika Evans (Kenneth Jr). He was a loving grandfather to Kenny III and Ella Evans, and Jack and Madison Wilkins. Bud is also survived by his siblings: MaryOra Hedgepath (John), Fran Wilkins, Nancy Frey, Joe Wilkins (Holly), numerous nieces and nephews, and his grand niece Liberty Frey. His extended family includes Dolores Butynskyi, Diana Snyder (late Jim), John Hogan (Marjie), and their families.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA 19056. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM, officiated by Father Nasta from Our Lady of Grace Church. Bud will be laid to rest with full military honors at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940, at 1:00 PM.

Bud’s legacy of service, kindness, and dedication will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He leaves behind a lasting impact on his community and a legacy of love for his family.

Philadelphia Area Hockey Community Remember Bud Wilkins

The Neshaminy Ice Hockey Club issued this statement today folowing the death of longtime club president Bud Wilkins, who passed away on Wednesday.

It is with a very heavy heart that I announce our long-term standing Neshaminy Ice Hockey club President, Bud Wilkins, has passed away yesterday. Bud has been in the Hockey community for over 35 years volunteering and dedicating his time for many hockey organizations. He was the Vice President of Lower Bucks County Scholastic Hockey league and elected current board member acting as Secretary for the Suburban High School Hockey League (SHSHL).

Bud was one of the nicest, most genuine, and humble guy known by many in our community and hockey family. He dedicated a lot of his time and energy for our club and enjoyed watching many play the game of hockey, the sport he loved. Bud was also a crossing guard within the Neshaminy School district keeping our kids safe to and from school.

Please send good intentions to his wife Kathy and the entire Wilkins family at this most difficult time. Bud may you rest in forever peace and much gratitude for all you’ve done in the community for our children and the game of hockey, but especially for our Neshaminy Ice Hockey Club. You will truly be missed by many.

Greg McDonald Foundation to Host Golf Event

The Ridge at Back Brook in Ringoes, NJ will host the inaugural Greg McDonald Foundation Golf Classic on September 12, 2024. Sponsoring the event are:

Gold: Hampton Consulting Corp.
Silver: Princeton Brain & Spine; Stoltzfus Structures; Structural Services
Bronze: Courtyard Marriott; Firstrust Bank; Cargas

Greg was a Philadelphia Eagles Executive for nearly 24 years. He was a loving husband and father of two young children. Sadly, he passed away from Appendiceal Cancer in October of 2023. He is sorely missed at home, at work, and on the ice – as he was a dedicated youth hockey coach for 20 years in the Philadelphia area.

The Greg McDonald Foundation (GMF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization with a mission to empower the hockey community by providing opportunities to those with the greatest need through scholarships, equipment donations, and community service.

“We will have two large scale events each year: The GMF Golf Classic; and a Pond Hockey Tournament. The funds raised at these events will continue to support our mission. Greg’s journey, woven with threads of leadership, passion for ice hockey, and boundless love for his family, continues to inspire us and we are committed to keeping Greg’s legacy alive”, explains Patti, Greg’s widow. “We are thrilled to be able to give back to a community that provided Greg with so many opportunities in his life. Paying it forward was very important to him, and we will continue to honor that.”

The golf registration is now full for the GMF Golf Classic. Limited seating is still available for the post-golf banquet – which runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The banquet will include live music, great food and drinks, celebrity guests, and a silent auction. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for golf, or if you would like to purchase a seat at the banquet, please email: patti@gregmcdonaldfoundation.org For more information about Greg and the foundation, please visit: www.gregmcdonaldfoundation.org