CMU hockey loses two against the University of Michigan-Flint
CMU hockey remains positive in search of first win
Central Michigan senior forward Riley Joyce passes the puck to sophomore defenseman John Kotsilidis at Martin Ice Arena on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. During the 2025-26 season, Joyce has so far scored two goals and three assists. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
Head coach Doug Wickstrom of the Central Michigan D1 Club Hockey team was optimistic following the weekend’s two losses against the visiting University of Michigan-Flint team, dropping their overall record to 0-11 on the season.
"We’re really starting to play like a team," he said. "There’s a couple little mistakes that are here and there that we have to continue to tweak, and once we do that, the sky’s the limit."
This two-game series against the Wolverines opened on the road for the Chippewas in a 2-6 defeat. After goals were exchanged by CMU’s Frankie Williamson and UM-Flint’s Brandon McCaughey in the first period, the Wolverines would grow aggressive and score three in the second.
Central Michigan would refuse to give up, and a score by defenseman Cameron Wille revived the Maroon and Gold’s hopes.
“I was telling the guys between the second and third periods, so right after Cam Wille’s goal, that we had a real opportunity to build on this momentum,” Wickstrom reflected. “They definitely started to play with some intensity after that.”
It was clear the Chippewas aimed to finish the night passionately, and a physical third period led to high tensions and a brief fight among players. Though the game concluded with a loss for CMU, Wickstrom remained certain of his team’s capabilities.
“We missed some opportunities, but I’ve already talked with the guys, and we’ll tighten some things up before tomorrow," Wickstrom said.
The following day also resulted in a loss for Central Michigan, as a late comeback attempt was squandered during a 4-3 showdown on First Responder’s Night. Organized by CMU forward Frankie Williamson, the Chippewas donned unique uniforms during a night to honor first responders from across the Mount Pleasant area.
Two quick goals by UM-Flint were then followed by a score by CMU forward Drake Fletemier.
“When anybody scores, it just boosts the team, fires them up, and makes it better,” Fletemier said. “We’re inching closer and closer to a win. Everybody is gluing together finally, and it’s starting to work out for sure.”
The first period finished 3-2 after a Joshua Bassett goal. A competitive yet scoreless second period followed by a nearly immediate goal by UM-Flint’s Nick Temple to open the third. Central Michigan remained unshaken, and Fletemier responded with a score to keep the Chippewas in the race.
Wickstrom said he was impressed by his team’s performance in the final stretch of game time.
“The guys were really out for each other and pushing each other up," he said. "It didn’t matter that they were exhausted or beat up … you can tell from the camaraderie that everything’s getting much better.”
CMU would ultimately succumb after spending significant time in the opposing zone to close out the game, yet the players and coaching staff remain optimistic in search of its first win.
The Chippewas will face Oakland University in a two-game series, beginning on Friday on the road, before returning home to Martin Arena on Saturday at 7 p.m.
