CMU hockey finds victory against Northern Michigan
CMU hockey adds to the win column in a competitive series
Central Michigan University senior forward Aiden Beckman, freshman forward Lance Hatfield, graduate student defensemen Tej Kothari, sophomore forwards Evan Holland and William Walker celebrate Hatfield's first collegiate goal at Martin Ice Arena on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. Hatfield's goal was scored during the first period. (CM Life | Jasmine Brookins)
It was all smiles for the Central Michigan D1 Club Hockey team, with the Chippewas securing their second win of the season over the Northern Michigan Wildcats, as well as the first for interim head coach Britanny Knopp.
“I honestly am very proud of our boys,” Knopp said. “I thought they really have made improvements. I was very happy with the games I’ve seen, and great things out of certain players I have not seen before, and that made me really proud as a coach.”
Northern Michigan, a team at the D2 level, traveled down to Martin Arena in Mount Pleasant for a two-game home series for the Chippewas. Friday evening’s matchup showed plenty of promise for CMU; however, they would ultimately face defeat 3-2.
The offense for Central Michigan was effective early, constantly applying pressure to the defensive zone of the Wildcats. Forwards Frankie Williamson and Nathan Murawski would find the net for the Chippewas, but the Wildcats capitalized on turnovers and other errors, preventing the CMU victory.
As the game progressed, the physicality of both teams increased significantly. Numerous scuffles broke out. Some players for the Chippewas placed an emphasis on this aspect of the game.
“I think the boys are riled up,” Murawski said. “We got to use a lot of our own mentality, our own grit. … It’s just love of the game, everyone wants to win.”
Coach Knopp was pleased by the passion the players showed in the game.
“The best feeling as a coach was (that) the bench culture was there,” Knopp said. “It started from the first shift to the last shift, and that (I) was really happy to see as a coach.”
Additionally, she offered a singular vision for the following game.
“My thoughts are, going into tomorrow, that we’re going to beat Northern,” Knopp said. This vision would be fulfilled Saturday afternoon, and Central Michigan escaped a dramatic third period to secure a thrilling 3-4 win.
The same early offensive success would be present for CMU in this game. However, this time around, it bore results as the Chippewas jumped to a 0-2 lead, with Drake Fletemier and freshman Lance Hatfield leading the charge. This was Hatfield’s first goal as a player for the Chippewas.
“It felt great,” Hatfield said about the score. “I wish it came a little earlier in the season, but it’s nice coming from high school, having that first puck from high school, and now having this one to go with it.”
Northern Michigan fought back shortly after, yet Central Michigan retained its lead throughout the day with efficient puck movement and smart plays with the puck.
Both teams exchanged blows in the third period, with NMU’s Jack Roberts responding to a Riley Joyce score late. CMU’s Murawski would keep the game out of reach of the Wildcats with a final goal to seal it, despite Northern’s efforts at a comeback attempt.
“It definitely wasn’t a single effort,” said freshman goalie Hunter Rainier. “I think our team crowded around each other, and it feels really good to get [Coach Knopp] her first win as our coach.”
Following a team tradition, Rainier donned a firefighter’s helmet after the final buzzer to signify him being named team MVP for the game. It was his first victory as the starting goalie for the Chippewas.
Additionally, the recent competitiveness of the team has been apparent to many in the building.
“We’re proving in our current games that the higher energy is getting us to closer games,” said team president Dylan Niermeyer. “If we can start cleaning up our play in general, making less mistakes and being a bit more consistent, I’m excited to hopefully have some sort of run at the playoffs.”
Following the victory, Niermeyer showed additional excitement about the direction of CMU hockey in general.
“All three hockey teams won yesterday,” Niermeyer said, referring to each of the D1, D3 and Women’s club hockey teams. “I don’t know the last time all three teams have won on the same day.”
The D1 team will seek to build this momentum further going into their next series against Northwood University. Central Michigan will play at home on Nov. 14, before traveling to face the Timberwolves in Midland on Nov. 15.
