NMU has 17 club sport teams and with the new school year in motion, these teams are preparing for their upcoming seasons.
The men’s club hockey team travels the Midwest to compete. They are part of the American Collegiate Hockey Association, Division II, and the Western Collegiate Club Hockey Association. Head coach Carl Trosien, who has been with the club three seasons, said the team’s main goal is to win the National Tournament.
“We qualified last year for the regional meet,” Trosien said. “However, we lost our first game to Michigan State, who went on to become the championship team.”
Tryouts for men’s club hockey have already taken place. Their first matches are against the University of Illinois at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Berry Events Center.
Last year, Trosien was named the All-Star Team Coach. He was granted the option to choose members of the club hockey team for the All-Star Team. Those players included senior forward Kellen Michalak, senior defenseman Evan Weber, senior defenseman Mark Novak, senior center Brad Gicopoulos and sophomore goalie Jeff Ryan. The All-Star Team tied for third overall.
NMU club volleyball competes in Michigan and surrounding states. Junior captain Stephanie Kropf said the team will start from scratch, with two returners.
“This year’s team is looking to be competitive,” said Kropf. “We’re looking to improve at playing off the other team’s weaknesses and adjusting our playing to the different teams.”
The volleyball club team holds open gym from 9 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Vandament Arena. Tryouts will follow, 9 to 11 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9 at the Vandament Arena.
More information about club sports is found on the web page, www.nmu.edu/sports/node/5.
