On March 8, it was announced that the University of Michigan-Flint hockey program will add a Division III team for the 2026-27 season, expanding the program after it transitioned to Division I club competition last year.
“We moved from Division III to Division I last year just to advance our program,” Nick Karstens, head coach of the hockey program, said. “With the amount of interest that we’ve had from kids all over North America, we felt that it would be a good thing for our program to add a Division III team back.”
The new Division III team will serve as a developmental level within the program. Karstens said the team will allow players additional time to develop their skills and gain experience before potentially advancing to the Division I roster.
“It’s basically a place to develop kids that need extra development or years of maturity to play at the Division I level,” Karstens said. “We’re going to use that as a tool to get kids ready and then get them up to speed to play on the Division I team.”
Currently, UM-Flint has one hockey team competing at the Division I club level. With the return of the Division III program, UM-Flint will have two teams within the hockey program beginning next season.
Karstens said the Division III roster will include players from a range of competitive backgrounds. Recruiting efforts will focus on players from across North America.
“Our league that we compete in is not just a club sports league anymore. It’s a very highly competitive, and it’s taken on a whole new level,” Karstens said.
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