The NMU club hockey team is hosting its first Prospective player camp during Wildcat Weekend. The opportunity gives incoming and current students who are interested in hockey a chance to see what the team is all about.

“There are a lot of kids coming up that weekend and it’s really the last big weekend, when you’re going to have current players, current students and perspective students all in one spot,” said head coach Carl Trosien. It just kind of made sense to see if there was any ice at the Berry (Events Center) and run with it.”

Players who are currently attending NMU and interested in joining the team are encouraged to attend. Senior forward Kellen Michalak said it’s an opportunity to get informed about the team.

“People go to the games, they see what we’re all about and everything, but they don’t get to know the players and how to get involved,” Michalak said. “It’s kind of open to anyone to just come and participate. All the veterans and coaches will be open for questions.”

This event is not considered a tryout, but it will give those interested a chance to see how they conduct practice and what to expect.

Those attending should check in at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, March, 23 and expect to skate until 8:30 p.m.
Trosien said athletes will have a chance to see or participate in a standard practice.

From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March, 24 there will be a scrimmage followed by a short meeting. The weekend skate costs $20 which is to be paid Friday at check-in.

The team carries a roster of 30 players. Trosien said a lot of hockey players don’t know about the team and he hopes the event informs more who are interested.

“Some of it is just getting the word out,” Trosien said. “We’re here, we’re competitive and we’re looking for players. At the beginning of the year, we open it up; just because you play one year doesn’t mean you’re going to make it the next.”