The School Board voted unanimously at its most recent meeting to approve a proposal that would add Souhegan High School to the existing boys’ ice hockey cooperative between Alvirne High School and Milford High School, strengthening a program that has relied on shared participation for several years.
In a memo to the Board, Alvirne Athletic Director Justin Hufft explained that the addition of Souhegan is intended to keep the program viable and competitive. “We think this will be a way to keep our program healthy and to ensure that Alvirne students are provided the opportunity to play hockey at the NHIAA level,” Hufft wrote. He noted that the agreement is still in draft form and would need NHIAA approval before becoming official. Any changes would take effect beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
Superintendent Dan Moulis told the Board that the current Alvirne–Milford cooperative has been in place for several years and “has worked well,” providing stability for a sport that many schools struggle to field independently due to roster size and cost.
One question raised during the meeting was whether adding a third school might reduce opportunities for current Alvirne or Milford players. Officials clarified that boys’ ice hockey is a noncut sport, meaning no student would lose a roster spot as a result of the expansion.
School Board Chair Maureen Dionne noted that hockey coops are increasingly common across New Hampshire. “It is generally hard to field teams in hockey,” she said, pointing to the high cost of equipment, limited ice time, and the number of players required to sustain a program.
A letter drafted for the NHIAA Ice Hockey Committee and Classification Committee outlines the structure of the proposed threeschool partnership. It states that Alvirne, Milford, and Souhegan intend to form a cooperative team beginning in 2026–27 and continuing through the 2027–28 cycle, with a minimum commitment through the end of that period.
The letter also provides historical context:
- Alvirne and Milford have been in a cooperative since the 2018–2019 season.
- Souhegan previously partnered with Nashua North beginning in 2016–2017.
- The combined team intends to remain in Division II, where Alvirne–Milford has competed since its inception.
Under the proposed agreement:
- The cooperative team will be administered by the Alvirne Athletic Director.
- Athletic directors and principals from all three schools will collaborate to ensure a smooth transition and effective operation.
Funding will follow a shared cost model. The Alvirne Athletic Department will pay expenses up front, then invoice Milford and Souhegan at the end of the season. Each school’s share will be based on the percentage of rostered players from their district, determined as of the first regular season game.
Board members expressed appreciation for the clarity of the agreement and the proactive planning behind the proposal.