UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-FLINT MEN'S HOCKEY TEAM JOINS ACHA DIVISION 1
November 11, 2024
FLINT, MI - The University of Michigan-Flint Men’s Hockey Team today is proud to announce its promotion to American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 1 beginning in the 2025-2026 season, marking a significant milestone in the program's history. This exciting step up to the D1 ranks reflects the team’s commitment to excellence, dedication, and strong support from the university and the Flint community.
“Making the jump from Division 3 to Division 1 has been a goal of our program for the past decade,” said Head Coach Nick Karstens. “We could not be more excited moving forward, with new journeys comes new challenges and we are fully prepared to put in the work necessary to build a strong program culture that not only leads to success on the ice but in the classroom as well.”
The hockey program is anticipated to become the seventh member of the Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League (GLCHL), alongside Northwood University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State, University of Toledo, Western Michigan, and Central Michigan.
“This is a big day for UM-Flint Hockey,” said General Manager and team founder Tom Garavaglia. “When we started back in 2007, we were the first sports program on the Flint campus. We never could have imagined having the resources available to take this team up to the D1 level. This is a testament to all the players, coaches and staff that have come and gone throughout the years. They all paved the way for where we are now. Everyone that has ever been affiliated with the university, and the UM-Flint hockey program specifically should be extremely proud.”
“The team’s student officers and coaches have been working hard towards this change,” said Associate Director for Recreation Programs Julia Stulock, “and we’re very excited to see them take this big step in elevating UM-Flint Hockey. It’s amazing how far the team has come from just a few years ago when COVID canceled a whole season. We’re really looking forward to the new match ups and rivalries that will be built in Division 1 moving forward.”
“As we evaluate the changes and opportunities in college hockey as a whole, the addition of these teams to Men’s Division I is exciting,” said Craig Barnett, ACHA Executive Director. “These Schools made application with strong goals in mind, and now have the ability to compete at the highest level the ACHA offers.”
About University of Michigan-Flint Men’s Hockey
The University of Michigan-Flint Men’s Hockey Team was founded in 2007 by current coach and general manager Tom Garavaglia when he was a student. Throughout its history, UM-Flint hockey has seen 4 head coaches. Bill Golling, who was also instrumental in the initial startup of the program, served as the first head coach in team history from 2007-2010. Don Edwards took over the head coaching duties, filling the role from 2010-2012 before turning the reins over to Mike Schunot to start the 2012-2013 campaign. Schunot would lead the team to their first National Tournament appearance that season, where they would fall to Adrian College in the National Championship game. Current head coach, Nick Karstens, would take the helm as head coach in the 2021-2022 season. The team is a part of the Club Sports program in the Department of Recreational Services
ABOUT THE ACHA
The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) was founded in 1991 and is the national association for Non-NCAA Collegiate Hockey throughout the United States. With more than 461 colleges and university-affiliated teams representing 48 states and 2 Canadian provinces along with approximately 13,000 players and coaches, the ACHA has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade and continues to be a viable option for college bound student-athletes. The primary mission of the ACHA is to support the growth of Collegiate Hockey while emphasizing academic performance, personal development and opportunities for regional, national and international competition.
