The Paul Smith’s College men’s and women’s hockey teams pose for a picture before their departure for Jacksonville, Florida. (Provided photo — PSC/Mercedes Rideout)

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – For the first time in school history, both the Paul Smith’s College men’s and women’s hockey teams have simultaneously qualified for the national tournament in their respective divisions.

The men are back in Florida for the second time in two years, having qualified for their first-ever AAU College Hockey national tournament last year after building a competitive program from the bottom up. Their 19-8 record this season marks a program-best.

The women return to try and add another piece of hardware to the trophy case, having won the inaugural AAU College Hockey Women’s National Championship two years ago in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

However, it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows for Paul Smith’s College hockey. The men’s program developed from a true co-ed club team, winning only a fistful of games when the two current senior captains first joined.

“My freshman year, we went 7-14, where going to nationals was not even considered or talked about,” captain Colin Palmer said in a statement. “Over the past three seasons, (head coach) Casey (Gerrish) has brought in great young talent to help our older guys thrive.”

Fellow senior and assistant captain Kyle Davis echoed Palmer’s sentiments.

“Ever since my freshman year, we’ve had a winning record each season while setting school records,” he said. “Making it to nationals the past two years may have seemed impossible, but thanks to a great coaching staff and the culture of our team, we were able to accomplish the impossible.”

The women’s team returns some of the most influential and talented players to this year’s national championship. Leah Coulombe, the 2024 AAU College Hockey Women’s National Tournament MVP, and Sam Barrett, this season’s leading point scorer in the nation, also have All-American honors attached to their names. They’ll look to play for their second national championship trophy in three years as the overall No. 3 seed in the tournament.

“We’re all fired up to be back in the national tournament,” said Coulombe. “We’ve shown crowds all season why we’re on top, and this week we’ll finish that statement when we come back to NY with more than a tan.”

“I’m excited to be back and kick some ass,” Barrett said.

The women’s team is keyed for a deep run, having lost one-goal games to last season’s national champion Syracuse University, while outshooting the Orange in both losses. They are currently 15-5 overall.

The tournament kicks off Friday, with the men taking on Mass Maritime. The women play High Point University at 7:30 p.m. today to open the women’s tourney. All games will be streamed for free on AAU+.