After one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Northern Michigan University Women’s ACHA Women’s Hockey team is preparing to take the national stage. Throughout the year, the Wildcats put together a dominant regular season, gained strong community support and built a resilient team culture. Because of that success, the team has earned a spot in the upcoming national tournament, which marks a major milestone for the program. 

For captain Breanna Bisek, the season’s success came down to one key factor: total commitment from everyone involved. 

“This season, the entire team was completely dedicated,” Bisek said. “From the players to the coaching staff, everyone showed up every day to put their best foot forward and unite as a team. It didn’t matter if it was for a game, practice, workout or even just team bonding. Every person involved in the program put everything they had into the team.” 

Because of that collective effort, dedication translated directly into success on the ice. As the season progressed, the Wildcats built one of the strongest records in program history and proved themselves as one of the top teams in the country in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Women’s Division II. 

Now, the team is preparing for the ultimate test: the national tournament. 

“The ACHA National Tournament is something that every team works for,” Bisek said. “Only the top 16 teams in the country get to compete for this title, so it’s an absolute honor to receive a bid.” 

At the same time, the opportunity means more than simply competing for a title. For the Wildcats, it is also about representing their university and inspiring the next generation of hockey players. 

“We are extremely proud to represent Northern Michigan University on a national stage,” Bisek said. “There are only two collegiate women’s hockey teams in the Upper Peninsula, so it’s a privilege to show younger girls in the area that they can grow up and compete as women hockey players in their own community.” 

While fans often see the wins and statistics, Bisek explained that there is another side of the program that many people never see. Because the team competes in the ACHA, a large portion of the behind-the-scenes responsibilities fall directly on the players. 

“Having this label, all of the responsibility that would typically come with a team manager or coach falls on the players,” Bisek said. “Not only do we have to work hard on the ice to remain competitive, but we also have to put just as much energy, if not more, into planning, scheduling and ensuring that the team keeps up with its necessary functions.” 

Those responsibilities include organizing travel, scheduling games, booking hotels and creating fundraising opportunities that help support the program. 

Without that extra work behind the scenes, the team would not be able to compete at the level it does. 

In addition, that same dedication is reflected in how the Wildcats play. According to Bisek, the team’s identity is built on hard work and unity. As a result, the Wildcats have found success in close games throughout the season. 

“With only one loss in the league, we quickly learned that outworking other teams is our strength,” Bisek said. “The grit this team has really shows when games are close and coming to an end. We have continued to show our success by working as a unit with full effort. 

Beyond the wins and rankings, the Wildcats also hope their success will help build momentum for the future of the program. Throughout the season, the team noticed a significant increase in support from the Marquette community. That support played a major role in the team’s confidence and success. 

“This season we had a huge increase in support from the community, which truly fueled our success,” Bisek said. “I believe that has spread awareness of NMU women’s ACHA hockey and proved that we are a competitive and successful team.” 

As the Wildcats now prepare to travel to nationals, they carry more than just a strong record with them. They also carry a season defined by perseverance and teamwork. 

If Bisek had to describe the year in one word, she said it would be resilience. 

“Throughout the season, we’ve had to overcome so many challenges,” she said. “Whether it was on the ice battling through one-goal games and overtime or dealing with adversity off the ice, we truly came together and were resilient.” 

Ultimately, with a historic season behind them and the national tournament ahead, the Wildcats are ready to show the country what NMU women’s ACHA hockey is capable of. 

“We proved that we are a competitive and serious program,” Bisek said. “We also proved to ourselves that we are capable of accomplishing any goal we set by working hard and pushing each other to be the best we can.”