On October 24 , 2013 , Merrimack College , already a member of the Hockey East men 's league , announced that it would upgrade its women 's team from club level to full varsity status effective in 2015 and join the Hockey East women 's league .
One year later , Merrimack , a member in men 's hockey only , will upgrade its women 's team from club to full varsity status and move that team into the conference .