University of Michigan

Men's Club Hockey Team History

Frank Frank Eupizi, Jason Emery and Matthew Helber founded the University of Michigan Men’s Club Hockey team in 1994. These three individuals wanted to create an organization that was more competitive than an Intramural team; yet still left time for their academic studies. In its first year, the team played six games and went 2-3-1 for the season. The following year, the University recognized the team as an official club sport and the team began practicing and playing games at Yost Ice Arena. Prior to the 1997-1998 season, the team joined the Midwest Collegiate Hockey League (MCHL), which was considered to be one of the premier leagues in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). The team left the MCHL before the 2001-2002 season. The University of Michigan is currently playing in the Great Midwest Hockey League (GMHL), a combination of 8 teams from the Southwest and Central regions of the ACHA. The GMHL has produced the last two National Champions and at last years National Tournament 6 of the then 7 member teams participated.

The members in the league include: Davenport University, Indiana University, Miami (OH), Michigan State (2005 Division II National Champion), Ohio State (new member for 2005-2006), Oakland University (2004 Division II National Champion, 2005 Runner –up), and Ferris State University. The University of Michigan Men’s Club Hockey program has grown from its modest beginnings into a consistently competitive program that last year ended the season ranked seventh in the country. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of those involved with the creation and maintenance of the Program.