Northern Michigan University Women's Hockey
Northern Michigan University Women's Hockey is a Division I college hockey team based in Marquette, Michigan. The team was founded in 1999 and has since become a dominant force in college hockey. The Wildcats have made numerous NCAA tournament appearances and have produced several Olympians.
The Early Years: Building a Program
Northern Michigan University Women's Hockey began as a club team in 1999. The team was made up of players from the Marquette area, and their first game was against the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The Wildcats lost 7-1, but the game marked the beginning of a new era for women's hockey in Marquette.
The Wildcats played as a club team for two years before transitioning to a Division II program in 2001. They joined the Great Lakes Women's Hockey Association and played against other small colleges in the region. Under the leadership of head coach Laura Schuler, the Wildcats quickly established themselves as a dominant force in Division II hockey. In their first year as a Division II program, the Wildcats won the GLWHA championship and advanced to the ACHA national tournament.
Moving Up: From Division II to Division I
In 2005, Northern Michigan University made the decision to move its women's hockey program up to Division I. The Wildcats joined the College Hockey America conference, which included teams such as Mercyhurst, Robert Morris, and Syracuse.
The Wildcats struggled in their first few years in Division I, but they quickly found their footing. In the 2010-2011 season, the Wildcats won the CHA regular season championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. They were eliminated in the first round by the University of Wisconsin, but the experience was a sign of things to come.
A Dominant Force in College Hockey
Since their first NCAA tournament appearance in 2011, the Wildcats have become a dominant force in college hockey. They have made four NCAA tournament appearances in the past six years and have won two CHA championships.
The Wildcats are known for their fast-paced, aggressive style of play. They have a deep roster of talented players, including Olympian and former Patty Kazmaier Award finalist, Kelli Stack. Stack played for the Wildcats from 2006-2011 and was one of the most dominant players in college hockey during her tenure.
The team is currently led by head coach Greg Pankewicz, who took over in 2013. Under Pankewicz's leadership, the Wildcats have continued to excel on the ice and have become a model program for women's college hockey.
The Future of Northern Michigan University Women's Hockey
Northern Michigan University Women's Hockey shows no signs of slowing down. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, the Wildcats are poised to continue their dominance in college hockey.
The team has also made a commitment to its community. The Wildcats are actively involved in the Marquette area and regularly participate in community service and outreach programs. They have become a beloved part of the Marquette community and are an inspiration to young girls and boys who dream of playing hockey.
Northern Michigan University Women's Hockey is a shining example of what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. The Wildcats have firmly established themselves as a dominant force in college hockey, and their future looks brighter than ever.