The University of Michigan-Flint Men’s Hockey Team is stepping into one of the most transformative periods in its 17-year history, beginning in the 2025-26 season. The promotion from the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division III to Division I.
Head Coach Nick Karstens, who also now serves as the program’s general manager after replacing Tom Garavaglia, said the move to Division I represents the pinnacle of years of work.
“Division I demands pushing the limits in training, discipline, and preparation. Playing against teams with seasoned athletes, a stark contrast to UM-Flint’s relatively young squad, has been the greatest challenge. It is a physical and mental maturity hurdle that we are trying to jump right now, which improves the learning curve,” Karstens said.
The journey places UM-Flint alongside some of the top collegiate club teams in the country. “Division III hockey is great, but I think everyone strives to play at the highest level they can, and playing Division I means more,” Alex Noble, UM-Flint men’s hockey team vice president and goaltender, said.
“Training increased from two to three practices per week, and gym sessions and film study sessions were added,” Karstens said.
“Roughly $50,000 was invested into improving the team’s facilities, including locker-room flooring and laundry access to shooting lanes and equipment organization,” Noble said.
“There is more hype now. People actually know who we are when we walk around. It feels like the program is becoming a bigger part of campus culture,” Noble said.
“The rivalries between Saginaw Valley State and University of Michigan- Dearborn, are making home fans more than excited,” Noble added.
Karstens highlighted several game-changing players this season, mentioning defenders Nick Temple, Nolan Placio and Conlon Carpenter. Goalies Tabor Hatch and Alex Noble. Forwards Gavin Rose, Austin Hinkson, Lance Spencer and Zach Potter.
Despite the growing intensity, a school-first approach remains central to the team’s philosophy. Karstens conducts biweekly academic progress checks and requires athletes to meet established standards.
