The NMU Men’s Hockey team was voted to finish second in the CCHA preseason polls as they look ahead to a promising season. The team will be led by Forward AJ Vanderbeck as he was voted to the All-CCHA preseason team. Unfortunately, NMU has had a few injuries but seem to still have a very strong roster. 

“He’s serious about his craft, always wants to be better. He’s a big, strong, powerful kid. He could skate, he can shoot, he’s going to be accounted for in offensive situations,” Coach Grant Potulny said.

Joey Larson was another player on the Wildcats who earned preseason honors as he was named to the CCHA All-Rookie preseason team. The Wildcats went out and recruited four transfers this season in order to bolster the roster to hopefully compete for a championship.

“They were areas that we felt we needed to get better, just through recruiting. There are some voids there. Very important positions, defenseman senators, all four of them are going to play very big meaningful minutes,” Potulny said.

The Wildcats will be searching for a strong leader within this group, but they feel there are enough veterans and young talent on the team in order to make a push towards a great season. The Cats are starting their season this weekend as they face off against Bowling Green University on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2.

“They have some high-end talent.  We’ve got a little history with them of some rivalry. I think coming out of the gate, we’re going to be tested,” Potulny said.