The ACHA began compiling a national ranking in 2003-04, issued four times per season, with the top twelve (from 2003-04 through 2008-09) or eight (from 2009-10 through 2015-16) in the fourth ranking, released in February, receiving a bid to the ACHA National Tournament.
From 2000-01 through 2002-03, regional rankings were the sole method for determining ACHA National Tournament bids.