Men's ice hockey has been a tradition at Colby since 1922. The program excelled during the 1955-56 season under head coach Jack Kelley, former president of the Pittsburgh Penguins. That same season the team moved into its current home of Alfond Rink, which was made possible by a generous gift from Harold Alfond. The Mules compiled a 92-46-5 cumulative record over the next seven years, capping the era with a fourth-place finish in the ECAC Division I Tournament. Ten years later, with the creation of an ECAC Division II league, the Mules earned their first championship title by defeating Merrimack College 5-0 in the finals. That team was coached by the legendary Charlie Holt.

In the past 15 years the Mules have ushered in a new era of success. Colby has had 14 winning seasons in 15 years, compiling an overall record of 220-127-30. The Mules have gained eight NESCAC berths, an NCAA berth, six ECAC berths, and a 1997 ECAC Championship.

Colby coach Jim Tortorella says, "The foundation of Colby's success has been our ability to attract student athletes with the attributes of courage, heart, attitude, mental toughness, pride, and a willingness to sacrifice. Over the past 15 years these types of players have enabled the program to sustain the momentum needed to compete at the national level. I cannot say enough about the players' unwavering dedication to make Colby's hockey program one of the finest programs in the country."