SVSU will introduce a women’s club hockey team in the 2026-27 academic year. The team will play in ACHA Women’s Division II and compete in the Central Collegiate Women’s Hockey Association (CCWHA) conference against opponents like Northern Michigan University, Michigan State University, and Central Michigan University. Home games will be played at Saginaw Bay Ice Arena.
“The inspiration behind this program is to encourage continuing women’s hockey past the high school experience in the area with the ever-growing interest in women’s hockey,” said men’s team head coach Mel Rettell. “It’s the fastest-growing sport, and we wanted to be a part of it first in the area.”
Vice President for Enrollment Management Ken Fettig said the process for creating the women’s team started in the summer when student leadership of the men’s team contacted him and other
members of administration. Rettell, who was hired at the end of the fall semester, became involved at the start of February.
“We know that beyond attracting and retaining students at SVSU, club sports give our students amazing opportunities for student development and leadership, while they’re doing something they love and showcasing their Cardinal pride,” stated Fettig. “We also know that having a wide range of opportunities for students to participate in and support is an important part of a vibrant University.”
Fettig also said he can foresee the women’s team providing student employment opportunities. Although club sports at SVSU receive some financial support from the university, a majority of costs are covered by player fees, fundraisers, and ticket sales.
“Any private funding to help launch this new program would be greatly appreciated,” said Rettell.
“If students are interested in trying out, they can fill out a team recruitment form and/or register for the prospect skates on April 17 and 18,” said Fettig on ways students can get involved with the team.
“If not, they can support by spreading the good news, liking and sharing social media posts when they come out, and by planning to join the student section at our games at Saginaw Bay Ice Arena.”
“The men’s games have a great atmosphere with a dedicated fan base,” continued Fettig. “We want to replicate that for the women’s team.” On SVSU’s women’s hockey team Instagram, @sagvalleywomenshockey, current and prospective students can register for the women’s hockey prospect skate on April 17 and 18. The cost is $60 per person, and spots are limited. Any questions regarding recruiting can be directed to Ken Fettig (kfettig@svsu.edu) and Mel Rettell (mgrettell@svsu.edu).
