After receiving financial backing from the university, the ice hockey team was able to become a varsity squad for the first time in 1939.

The outfit also joined the newly formed Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Hockey League, however, since the circuit included non-collegiate team it was only an informal conference.

At the time, Ray Anderson was leading the league scoring with 5 points, however, the team's offense dried up after that.

The Engineers scored just 4 goals in their final three games and ended the season on a down note, getting thumped by Penn State 2–8.

[2] W. Rodman Turner served as team manager with Allen H. Zane and Arthur L. Fisher as assistants.