NMU ready for 2013-14 hockey season
The Northern Michigan University hockey team has rejoined the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, after the Central Collegiate Hockey Association dissolved in March.
The WCHA has 10 members in the newly revamped conference. NMU was picked to finish sixth in both the coaches poll and the media poll. Conference play is still a couple of weeks away for the Wildcats, but they can’t wait for the season to begin.
“I think we’ll be fine. It’s going to be a very competitive league,” said Wildcats head coach Walt Kyle talking about the WCHA. “(Minnesota State) Mankato is probably the top team in the league and I think after that it’s going to be extremely competitive.”
“It’s something new for us,” said NMU captain C.J. Ludwig about the Wildcats joining the WCHA. “It’s sad to see the CCHA go, but it is what it is. We’re excited to play in the WCHA and see all the new teams. We’re excited to get going here.”
The NMU hockey team will play an exhibition game on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. against the United States Men’s National U-18 team. Then on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m., the Wildcats will battle Laurentian University in another exhibition contest.