It was formed in 1997 and began play in the 1998–1999 season as the hockey division of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).

This proved somewhat problematic for MAAC Hockey, since conference bylaws only allowed full members to vote.

[1] On June 6, 2023, it was announced that Atlantic Hockey would be merging all operations with CHA, effective in 2024.

Details regarding this merger, including whether the new league would carry the Atlantic or College Hockey name, were to be announced at a later date.

Atlantic Hockey also awards a regular season goaltending award and regular season scoring title that are not voted on, as well as a Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player, which is voted on at the conclusion of the conference tournament.