Seven transfers and nine freshmen
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan University men’s hockey team and head coach Dave Shyiak have announced the incoming class ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The class includes 16 athletes broken down into seven transfers and nine freshmen, categorized by nine forwards, four defensemen, and a trio of goalies.
The transfer class includes three forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie. Of the transfers, two skaters come from BIG 10 schools, two from NCHC programs, and one each from Hockey East, the CCHA, and an Independent school.
The freshmen class includes seven forwards, one defenseman, and two goalies. Of the freshmen, the Wildcats welcome the first skater from the WHL in program history, three from the USHL, three from the NAHL, and a pair of teammates from the BCHL.
A breakdown of each incoming skater, along with related media, can be found below, starting with the transfers before moving to the freshmen.
The Wildcats open the season on October 4 and 5 in Massachusetts to play the University of Massachusetts before traveling to Ohio State on October 10 and 11. The ‘Cats open the home campaign with a matchup against Colorado College on October 17 and 18 before rounding out the non-conference schedule with a visit from the Michigan State Spartans on October 24 and 25.
Incoming Transfers
#1 | William Gramme | Transfer Goaltender, Junior | Stockholm, Sweden | University of Wisconsin (NCAA, BIG 10)
A transfer joining the Wildcats from the University of Wisconsin (NCAA, BIG 10), William Gramme is a 6’4″ goaltender from Stockholm, Sweden.
Gramme appeared in eight contests for the Badgers last season, starting in six of those contests, where he posted a 3.23 GAA and .878 SV%. Gramme’s sophomore season included backstopping Wisconsin to its first win of the season, making 15 saves in 3-2 overtime victory against Lindenwood, posting a career-high 39 saves in 3-2 overtime loss against No. 3 Minnesota, and making eight saves while allowing no goals in relief to help Badgers to a 5-4 comeback victory over No. 10 Michigan. In his career at Wisconsin, Gramme posted a 2.44 GAA and .909 SV%, was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team, and made 25 saves and earned a shutout in his collegiate debut, the first Badger to post a shutout in collegiate debut since Jack Berry on Nov. 5, 2016, against Northern Michigan.
Before Wisconsin, Gramme posted an 18-9-2 record, a 1.99 GAA, and .919 SV% with two shutouts for the NAHL’s Lone Star Brahmas. Among all netminders in the NAHL that season, Gramme was third in GAA. The team finished second in the South Division, and he added a 2-0-1 playoff record with a 0.90 GAA and .961 SV%.
Coach Shyiak on Gramme: “Our staff is excited about adding William to the roster. He has gained valuable experience at the University of Wisconsin over the past two seasons and will enhance our goaltending group with his knowledge of the game and work ethic. William is an athletic, competitive goaltender that possesses a pro frame and we are excited to see what he can do in a Wildcat uniform.”
#4 | Warren Clark | Transfer Defenseman, Junior | Tampa Bay Lightning Draft Pick | Riverside, Ontario, Canada | St. Cloud State (NCAA, NCHC)
A transfer joining the Wildcats from St. Cloud State University (NCAA, NCHC), Warren Clark is a 6’3″ right-shot defenseman from Riverside, Ontario, Canada. Clark was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Clarke has been described as a big, smooth-skating defenseman with good hockey sense and good hands.
Clark skated for the Huskies for two seasons, during which he played in 51 games, recording one goal and six assists. The 24/25 NCHC Academic All-Conference team member scored his first career collegiate goal against Omaha on December sixth last season, and recorded his first career point with an assist against Alaska as a freshman.
Prior to St. Cloud, Clark played for the MJHL’s Steinbach Pistons in 2022-23, scoring six goals and 32 assists for 38 points in 55 games. In the 2023 MJHL playoffs, Clark helped lead the Pistons to the Turnbull Cup as MJHL playoff champions, recording a goal and seven assists for eight points in 18 games. Clark also played for the Chatham Maroons of the GOJHL and the South Shore Kings of the NCDC during the 2021-22 season, scoring a combined six goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 50 regular-season games, while recording 10 assists in the playoffs for the Maroons.
Coach Shyiak on Clark: “Warren is a player that I am very familiar with, having recruited and coached him while at St. Cloud. He is a long, mobile defenseman, with skill and good hockey sense. We feel that he has high upside potential and should immediately contribute to our defensive corps this season and beyond.”
#8 | Cade Mason | Transfer Defenseman, Grad Student | Red Deer, Alberta, Canada | Long Island University (NCAA, Independant)
A transfer joining the Wildcats from Long Island University (NCAA, Independent), Cade Mason is a 5’11” left-shot defenseman from Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.
In his three seasons with the Sharks, Mason skated in 89 games while recording 10 goals and 67 assists for 77 points, and departed the program as the all-time leader in points (77) and assists (67) in Long Island history. As a defenseman, Mason led the team in assists in all three of his seasons with the Sharks, and was third and fourth on the team in points in 2022/23 and 2023/24, respectively.
Prior to the Sharks, Mason played his junior hockey in the AJHL, lastly with the Spruce Grove Saints in the 2021/22 season. Mason has put together one of the most dominant defensive campaigns for the Saints since being acquired from the Grande Prairie Storm at the beginning of the 2021-2022 season. In 53 regular-season and playoff games this season, he compiled 36 points (6 goals, 30 assists) while aiding the Saints in reaching the AJHL finals. In 123 career regular-season and playoff games played in the AJHL, Mason amassed 13 goals and 64 assists for 77 points.
Coach Shyiak on Mason: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Cade to our program for his final year of collegiate eligibility. Cade should bring immediate offense to our group with his poise, skill, and skating ability. He has had a tremendous career at Long Island University and we are excited to see him compete in the CCHA this season.”
#9 | Zane Demsey | Transfer Defenseman, Senior | Harrison Township, Michigan | Miami University (Ohio) (NCAA, NCHC)
A transfer joining the Wildcats from Miami University (Ohio) (NCAA, NCHC), Dempsey is a 6’2″ left-shot defenseman from Harrison Township, Michigan.
In three seasons with the RedHawks, Demsey skated in 79 games and scored two goals and eight assists for 10 career points. Demsey was recognized as a Krampade/AHCA All-American Scholar in 2024, and is a three-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and NCHC Academic All-Conference team selection. Demsey’s first career collegiate goal was a game-winner, coming against Niagara on December 30, 2023.
Demsey spent the majority of his junior career in the USHL, with the last season and a half with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. In 93 games with Dubuque, he scored three goals and 22 assists for 25 points and a +36 rating. In 129 junior games between the USHL and the NAHL, Demsey put up five goals and 23 assists with a +35 rating.
Coach Shyiak on Demsey: “Zane comes to Marquette with a wealth of college hockey experience. He has strong physical tools and can contribute in all three zones with his size, skating, and athletic ability. We expect Zane to instantly bring a competitive edge and senior leadership to our defense.”
#16 | Caiden Gault | Transfer Forward, Senior | Oakbank, Manitoba, Canada | Ferris State (NCAA, CCHA)
A transfer joining the Wildcats from Ferris State University (NCAA, CCHA), Caiden Gault is a 6’1″ left-shot forward from Oakbank, Manitoba, Canada.
Gault joins the Wildcats after enjoying a breakout season with the Bulldogs, where he posted career-highs in every major category, and led the team in goals (15), PPGs (4), GWGs (5), and was second in points (25) by just one. Gault, who was nominated for the 2025 Hobey Baker Award, brings NCAA experience to the roster, having skated in 77 games and putting up 37 points in three seasons.
Gault is no stranger to scoring; in his final season in the AJHL with the Spruce Grove Saints, he led the Saints and scored the third-most goals in the regular season among all AJHL skaters, scoring 46 goals and 73 points in 58 games en route to being named to the Viterra North Division All-League Team and a finalist for the AJHL’s Top Forward Award. Gault also put up exceptional numbers in the postseason that year, scoring six goals and six assists in 13 games played. In his junior career between the AJHL, MJHL, and the NAHL, Gault posted 77 goals and 56 assists for 133 points in 143 games.
Coach Shyiak on Gault: “Our staff is ecstatic that Caiden has chosen to join our team for his last year of college hockey. We are well-acquainted with his game, having coached against him in the CCHA this past season. He is a lethal goal scorer, coming back to our league as one of the top returning goal scorers in the conference. Caiden’s skill, nose for the net, and hockey sense should make him one of the top threats in the CCHA this season.”
#17 | Girts Silkalns | Transfer Forward, Junior | Talsi, Latvia | University of Massachusetts-Lowell (NCAA, H-East)
A transfer joining the Wildcats from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell (NCAA, H-East), Girts Silkalns is a 6’2″ right-shot forward who hails from Talsi, Latvia.
Silkalns joins the ‘Cats after two seasons with the Riverhawks, where he played in 28 games and scored a goal with four assists. Silkalns scored his first career collegiate goal against Boston College on December 6, 2024.
Prior to college, Silkalns spent the 2022/23 season in the USHL, splitting time between the Fargo Force and the Des Moines Buccaneers, putting up 10 goals and 20 assists in 55 games. Silkalns has represented Latvia on the world stage as well, competing in the 2023 and 2022 World Junior U-20 Championships and the U-18 World Championships in 2021.
Coach Shyiak on Silkalns: “Girts comes to Marquette highly recommended by his previous coaches. He plays an all-around brand of hockey that should complement our existing forward group nicely. We hope that with his size and ability to shoot the puck, Girts will add a different element to our team and continue to develop in a Wildcat uniform.”
# 24 | Kyle Bettens | Transfer Forward, Senior | Winnipeg, MB, Canada | University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA, BIG 10)
A transfer from the University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA, BIG 10), Kyle Bettens is a 6’3″ right-shot forward from Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Bettens spent all of his collegiate career with the Bulldogs until this season, where he amassed 102 games played with 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points over three seasons. Prior to the NCAA, Bettens spent a season with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, scoring 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 points in 54 games. Bettens scored 29+ points in every year of his junior career, including scoring 11 points in 12 playoff games with the Steinbach Pistons of the MJHL in 2018/19, posting 59 goals and 109 assists for 168 points in 222 regular and postseason games.
Coach Shyiak on Bettens: “Experience is a huge component of success in college hockey, and Kyle joins our team with over 100 games played at a really strong program in the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He’s a big, strong, pro-style forward that we believe has a chance to thrive at NMU and beyond. We’re looking forward to helping Kyle unlock his potential and expect him to be an impact player in the CCHA.”
Incoming Freshmen
# 10 | Mathew Ward | Forward, Freshman | Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
A veteran of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the 5’9″ forward from Kamloops, British Columbia, becomes the first player from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) to join the Wildcat ranks while also becoming the first player in Medicine Hat history to commit to an NCAA DI program. The NCAA made the rule change to allow CHL players to play in the collegiate ranks starting this season, after making the rule change late last year.
The left-shot forward has played in the WHL his entire career, most recently capturing a WHL Championship before falling to the London Knights in the Memorial Cup Final, the sixth time they’ve appeared in the finals. In the regular season, Ward finished seventh on the team in points (44), goals (19), and assists (44) before potting five goals and seven assists for 12 points in 18 playoff games. Ward scored the game-winning goal in its 3-1 win over the Knights to send the Tigers to the Memorial Cup Final.
Prior to Medicine Hat, Ward spent the remainder of his junior career with the Swift Current Broncos, where he amassed 74 goals and 142 assists for 216 points in 207 games. While with the Broncos, Ward was named a Central Division Second-Team All-Star during the 22/23 season after he set career highs across the board, scoring 26 goals and 48 assists for 74 points. Ward is just under a point per game in his career in the WHL, posting 98 goals and 174 assists for 272 points in 289 regular-season and postseason contests.
Coach Shyiak on Ward: “We are extremely excited to welcome Mathew to Northern Michigan University. He brings a great deal of pedigree to our team, having been a former 1st round pick in the Western Hockey League and playing over 260 games during his junior hockey career. On the ice, Mathew is a skilled, versatile forward with excellent hockey sense and competitive drive.”
# 12 | Peter Cisar | Forward, Freshman | Bratislava, Slovakia | Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
An incoming freshman from Bratislava, Slovakia, Peter Cisar joins the Wildcats after finishing the 2024/25 season with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL.
Cisar played his entire junior career in the USHL between the Youngstown Phantoms, Fargo Force, and Madison Capitols. Cisar was traded from the Force to the Phantoms during the 2024/25 season, where between the two clubs, he had 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points, including ten power play points, and finished seventh on the Phantoms in points and goals and sixth in assists. Cisar also finished with a +20 rating, fourth best on the team, and 70 penalty minutes. During the 24/25 season, Cisar was an alternate captain with the Force before going to the Phantoms. Cisar was a member of the 23/24 Fargo Force team that lifted the Clark Cup as the USHL playoff champion and crowned USHL regular season champions.
Cisar is no stranger to international competitions either, as he has represented his home country in the World Junior U-20 Championships twice, and once in the U-18 World Championships to go along with other international stints. Most recently, Cisar scored for Slovakia against Czechia at the U-20 Championships this past December, and was teammates with fellow incoming freshman Tobias Pitka.
Coach Shyiak on Cisar: “We expect Peter to come in and have an immediate impact within our forward group. He comes to our program on the heels of a great season in the USHL that also saw him contribute in a key role for the Slovakian World Junior team. Peter is a cerebral forward that can impact the game in a variety of ways with his play-making and strong-two way game.”
# 18 | Mikey Burchill | Forward, Freshman | Mundelein, Illinois | Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
An incoming freshman from Mundelein, Illinois, Mikey Burchill joins the Wildcats after spending the past four seasons in the USHL, most recently with the Des Moines Buccaneers. The EliteProspects 2023 NHL Draft Guide describes Burchill as “more than capable of filling the net. He hooks pucks around sticks and slips them under when pressured. Where many sprint into traffic, he finds the trailer. High-speed dekes and crafty setups beat defenders, and puck protection skills keep them on his back. A powerful wrister, fired off either leg, shows some finishing ability, too.”
Burchill finished his junior career with the Des Moines Buccaneers, joining the team late in the 24/25 season, and potting a pair of goals and assists in 17 games. Before the Buccaneers, he played 43 games with the Youngstown Phantoms, scoring nine goals and five assists for 14 points. Burchill has scored double-digit goals in all four of his seasons in the USHL, and had consecutive seasons with 20+ assists. Burchill ends his junior career with 49 goals and 61 assists for 110 points in 233 games. Burchill was selected with the fifth overall pick of the 2021 USHL Phase I draft.
Coach Shyiak on Burchill: “Mikey is another player that our staff knows well, with coach Andy Contois having coached him with the Youngstown Phantoms. We’re thrilled that Mikey will be joining our program this season; he is an exemplary teammate, a feisty competitor, and a versatile forward. He can play in a lot of different situations, as evidenced by his time in the USHL, and should be able to make a positive impact on our group with his shot, IQ, and two-way game.”
# 19 | Tobias Pitka | Forward, Freshman | Poprad, Slovakia | Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
An incoming freshman from Poprad, Slovakia, Tobias Pitka joins the Wildcats after spending two seasons with the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL. The 6’4″ right-shot forward has been described as “[being able to bring] a good mix of smarts and size to the lineup. Capable of making plays in small areas, Pitka can find teammates through pressure as well as create chances for himself.”
Pitka spent the past two seasons with the Grizzlies, where, after scoring five goals and 14 assists in 46 games in his first season, he tripled his goal output and doubled his point total, scoring 15 goals and 23 assists for 38 points in five fewer regular-season games. Pitka would continue his production in the postseason, where he potted eight goals and 12 points in 17 playoff games.
Pitka has also represented his country on the international stage, representing Slovakia at the U18 and U20 World Junior Championships, and teammates with fellow incoming freshman Peter Cisar.
Coach Shyiak on Pitka: “Tobias is a prospect that we feel still has his best hockey in front of him. He comes to our team from a very strong organization in Victoria and continues to grow into a dominant power forward. Tobias has a pro hockey frame to go along with great hockey sense, soft hands, and excellent faceoff ability. We’re very much looking forward to helping him develop his game at Northern Michigan.”
# 21 | Tyler Stern | Forward, Freshman | Plainview, New York | Maryland Black Bears (NAHL)
An incoming freshman from Plainview, New York, Tyler Stern is a 5’10” right-shot forward who joins the Wildcats as a veteran from the NAHL. Stern has been described by Black Bear head coach, Clint Mylymok, as a “natural born leader” and a “team first” player.
Stern has played his entire junior career in the NAHL, starting with a four-game stint with the Jamestown Rebels in 21/22 before transitioning to the Philadelphia Rebels the next season, scoring nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 56 games. After starting the 23/24 season in Philadelphia, Stern was traded to the Maryland Black Bears, where he scored five goals and 18 points in 32 games to end the regular season before tacking on five more assists in eleven playoff games. Stern was named captain of the Black Bears in 24/25, where he scored career-highs in goals (14), assists (22), and points (36) before adding three points in four postseason games.
Coach Shyiak on Stern: “Tyler joins our team from the Maryland Black Bears of the NAHL, where he wore the “C” as a 20 year-old. He is highly coachable, very competitive, and will be an instant culture-driver in our locker room. His hockey sense, willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice, and scoring ability will benefit our program moving forward.”
#22 | Landon MacDonald | Forward, Freshman | Brighton, Michigan | Madison Capitols (USHL)
An incoming freshman from Brighton, Michigan, Landon MacDonald is a 6’2″ left-shot forward who joins the Wildcats from the Madison Capitols of the USHL. MacDonald has been described as “…a good-sized forward who plays the game hard and physical… he can pick corners and gets his shot off extremely quickly and carry a ton of zip… a taller, lean forward with a goal scorer’s mentality”.
MacDonald started the 24/25 season as an alternate captain with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL before transitioning to the Madison Capitols of the USHL. MacDonald scored 13 goals and 21 points in 28 games with the Vipers before scoring nine points in 26 games with the Capitols. MacDonald has played in 172 games between the USHL, BCHL, and the NAHL, where he scored 28 goals and 32 assists for 60 points.
Coach Shyiak on MacDonald: “Landon comes to Northern Michigan playing his best hockey. He finished out his junior career with strong stints in Vernon and Madison, and really developed his all-around game in a way that should be an asset for our program. Landon’s a big, strong, two-way forward with good skating ability and can impact the game in a variety of different ways.”
#23 | Evan Johnson | Defenseman, Freshman | Trenton, Michigan | North Iowa Bulls (NAHL)
An incoming freshman from Trenton, Michigan, Evan Johnson is a 5’11” right-shot defenseman who joins the Wildcats from the North Iowa Bulls of the NAHL.
Johnson enjoyed a breakout season with the Bulls in 24/25, as the alternate captain defenseman led the team with 17 power play points (2G, 15A), was third on the team in points (38), second in assists (32), fourth in Pt/G (0.68), and led Bulls defensemen in goals (6). Prior to the Bulls, Johnson had 18 points in 42 games between the Whitecourt Wolverines of the AJHL and Philadelphia Rebels of the NAHL.
Coach Shyiak on Johnson: “Evan is a smooth-skating defenseman that really popped in his last season of junior hockey. He played a leadership role in North Iowa this past season and has a wealth of experience across North American junior hockey. We’re looking forward to seeing Evan adjust to college hockey and display his puck poise in all three zones.”
# 30 | Oliver Auyeung-Ashton | Goaltender, Freshman | Coquitlam, BC, Canada | Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
An incoming freshman from Coquitlam, BC, Canada, Oliver Auyeung-Ashton is a 5’10” netminder who just finished his historic career with the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL.
Auyeung-Ashton joined the Grizzlies ahead of the 22/23 campaign, where in his first season with the team, he posted a .927 SV% with five shutouts and a 21-14-6 record. After three seasons with the club and 96 appearances, he finished with a 50-29-12 record with eight shutouts to go along with a 14-10-1 record in the postseason. Auyeung-Ashton departs the Grizzlies as the franchise leader in games played for a goaltender, career wins, and shutouts. His career save percentage of .916 was good enough for third all-time in program history. His time in the BCHL also saw him take home the Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year, as well as being named to the All-Rookie Team.
Coach Shyiak on Auyeung-Ashton: “Oliver has had an exceptional track record during his time in the BCHL. He comes highly recommended as a goaltender, teammate, and competitor. On the ice, Oliver has a lot of traits that we look for in our goaltenders; he’s an exceptional skater that tracks the puck very well and never gives up on a play. We’re looking forward to seeing him in a Wildcat uniform next season.”
#31 | Jack Fuller | Goaltender, Freshman | Centerville, Minnesota | New Mexico Ice Wolves (NAHL)
An incoming freshman from Centerville, Minnesota, Jack Fuller is a 6’0″ goaltender who joins the Wildcats from the New Mexico Ice Wolves of the NAHL, reuniting with former head coach Phil Fox.
Fuller has played with the Ice Wolves over three seasons, with this past season featuring a 1.91 goals against average and a .929 save percentage over 40 games. Fuller was named as February’s Goaltender of the Month and a South Division Star of the Week three times this season, produced five shutouts, and was named as a 2025 Top Prospect. At the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament, he was the winner in the blue paint for the South Division squad, producing a 15-save shutout. Fuller was named 24/25 Team MVP by the Ice Wolves following the campaign.
Coach Shyiak on Fuller: “Once again, Jack is player we feel extremely comfortable with, given his experience with coach Fox in New Mexico. He was the backbone of the Ice Wolves team this season, and brings a calm, efficient style of play to the crease every night. Jack reads the play very well and brings a competitive mindset to every practice. He will be an important part of our culture and we’re looking forward to having Jack on campus.”
