Northern Michigan University Men's Hockey
Northern Michigan University (NMU) is located in Marquette, Michigan, and is home to one of the most successful Division I men's ice hockey programs in the country. The NMU Wildcats have a long and storied history, dating back to their inaugural season in 1976. Over the years, they have produced some of the best players in college hockey and have consistently been contenders for national championships. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes Northern Michigan University Men's Hockey one of the best programs in the country.
History of Northern Michigan University Men's Hockey
The Northern Michigan University Men's Hockey program was founded in 1976, and in its first season, the team went 16-10-0. The program quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, and in just its second season, the Wildcats reached the NCAA tournament for the first time. Over the years, the program has had many ups and downs, but has consistently been one of the top teams in the country.
One of the most memorable moments in Northern Michigan University Men's Hockey history came in 1991, when the Wildcats won their first NCAA championship. Led by future NHL star Brian Rolston, the Wildcats defeated Boston University 8-7 in an unforgettable championship game. Since then, the program has been a consistent contender for national championships, making it to the Frozen Four four more times (in 1992, 1993, 1997, and 2010) and winning two CCHA conference championships (in 1991 and 1993).
Coaches
The success of the Northern Michigan University Men's Hockey program can be attributed in large part to its excellent coaching staff. Over the years, the program has been led by some of the best coaches in college hockey. One of the most successful coaches in program history is Rick Comley, who coached the Wildcats from 1976 to 2002. Comley led the team to its first national championship in 1991 and helped establish the program as one of the best in the country.
In more recent years, the program has been led by Grant Potulny, who took over as head coach in 2017. Potulny is a former Minnesota Golden Gophers star who played in the NHL for several seasons. He has brought a new energy and enthusiasm to the program, and has led the Wildcats to some impressive wins in his first few seasons as head coach.
Players
Over the years, the Northern Michigan University Men's Hockey program has produced some of the best players in college hockey. Many of these players have gone on to successful careers in the NHL, including Brian Rolston, who won two Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils and played in over 1,200 NHL games. Other notable alumni include Mike Santorelli, who played for several NHL teams during his career, and Justin Florek, who won a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2013.
The current roster of the Northern Michigan University Men's Hockey team is filled with talented players who have the potential to follow in the footsteps of those who came before them. One of the team's top players is Griffin Loughran, a sophomore forward who led the team in scoring during the 2019-2020 season with 23 goals and 14 assists. Other top players include Vincent de Mey, a senior forward who had 12 goals and 20 assists last season, and Nolan Kent, a junior goaltender who had a 2.29 goals against average and a .913 save percentage in 2019-2020.
Facilities
The Northern Michigan University Men's Hockey program is fortunate to have some of the best facilities in college hockey. The Wildcats play their home games at the Berry Events Center, an 8,000-seat arena that opened in 1999. The arena is located on the NMU campus and features state-of-the-art amenities, including luxury suites, club seating, and a high-tech video scoreboard.
In addition to the Berry Events Center, the NMU hockey program has access to a top-notch practice facility. The Berry Events Center also houses a practice rink, which is used by the Wildcats for most of their daily practices. The practice rink features a full-size sheet of ice and is equipped with all of the necessary amenities for a high-level college hockey program.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Northern Michigan University Men's Hockey program is one of the most successful and respected Division I programs in the country. With a rich history, a talented coaching staff, and top-notch facilities, the program is poised for continued success in the years to come. Whether you're a die-hard college hockey fan or just a casual observer, the Wildcats are definitely a team worth watching.
