MARQUETTE, Mich. – There were three schools in play, and no doubt that Michael Mesic would stay close to home. The only question was, which of the NCAA Division I schools in Michigan would he choose to play for down the road?
Mesic has committed to Northern Michigan University, becoming the North Iowa Bulls’ first NCAA commit in the NAHL era. The Bulls had 110 players reach the NCAA ranks after making stops in Mason City during their decade in the NA3HL, including nine who went on to play Division I hockey. Northern Michigan is a member of the new Central Collegiate Hockey Association, which returns this season after an eight-year absence from the college hockey landscape.
The 2004-born forward has already made a huge impact as a North Iowa Bull, notching seven points in his first six games in the River City. He opened his time as a Bull with two assists and the eventual game-winning goal in the team’s season opener September 15, a 5-1 win over the Minnesota Wilderness at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota.
“As one of the youngest players on our team, he’s already made a big impact, and we expect him to only get better and better,” said North Iowa head coach and general manager Todd Sanden. “We wish him all luck and success at Northern Michigan University.”
Before embarking on his junior career, he rose through the ranks of some of Detroit’s most well-known hockey programs, suiting up for Little Caesars, Compuware and Honeybaked over the previous three years. Mesic notched 51 points in 35 games for the Honeybaked 16U AAA squad last season, and also earned a brief stint on the U.S. National Team Development Program’s Under-17 roster. This season, he is also reunited with older brother Jack, who played two seasons in Amarillo, Texas and stayed with the Buls when they relocated to Mason City to take on the North Iowa Bulls identity.
The Plymouth, Michigan native says he was also considering Ferris State University and Lake Superior State University but chose the Wildcats for their campus, facilities and coaching staff.
The North Iowa Bulls congratulate Michael Mesic on his commitment to Northern Michigan University, and wish him continued success in his time with the Bulls and his career to come.