If you walk into Griff’s Georgetown on a Friday night, the smell of popcorn and cold rink air hits you immediately. It's loud. The bleachers are packed with students in blue and black, and honestly, the energy feels way more "pro" than most people expect from a club sport. That’s the thing about grand valley state university hockey—it occupies this weird, high-stakes middle ground. It isn't NCAA Division I, but don't let that fool you. These players are fast, the hits are heavy, and the program is basically a varsity-level operation in everything but the official label.
Because the NCAA doesn't offer a Division II for ice hockey, GVSU competes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). This isn't your weekend beer league. It’s an elite landscape where schools like Grand Valley, Michigan State, and Adrian College beat the living daylights out of each other for national rankings.
The Three-Headed Monster of Men's Hockey
Most people don't realize that GVSU actually fields three separate men's teams. It’s a massive operation. You've got Division 1 (M1), Division 2 (M2), and Division 3 (M3). Each level has its own identity, but they all funnel into that "Laker" brand that has dominated the ACHA for decades.
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The M1 team is the flagship. These guys are the real deal. They play a grueling schedule against some of the best club programs in the country. If you look at the 2024-2025 roster, you'll see names like Kyle VanCompernolle, a 6'7" forward who basically looms over the ice like a tower. Having a guy that size on a club team is a nightmare for opposing defenders. Then you have guys like Matthew Cole and Carson Korte who have been staples of the scoring drive.
Historically, the M2 team has been the powerhouse of the bunch. Back in the mid-2000s and early 2010s, Grand Valley was virtually untouchable in ACHA Division II. They pulled a national championship in 2011, absolutely dismantling Michigan State 6–1 in the finals. They followed that up with runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2013. That era solidified GVSU as a "hockey school" in the eyes of Michigan residents, even without an NCAA badge.
A Quick Breakdown of the Current Levels:
- Division 1 (M1): The highest level of play, competing in the Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League (GLCHL). It’s fast, physical, and requires a massive time commitment.
- Division 2 (M2): Historically the most successful tier for the Lakers. They often serve as a bridge for players who are just a hair away from the M1 roster.
- Division 3 (M3): They compete in the Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference (MCHC). This is where the local rivalries with schools like Hope College and Calvin University get really heated.
Why the Women’s Program is Taking Over
While the men’s teams have the history, the grand valley state university hockey women's program is currently one of the most exciting things to watch in Allendale. They compete in the ACHA Women's Division 1 (WD1) and are members of the Central Collegiate Women's Hockey Association (CCWHA).
The ladies play out of Griff’s Georgetown too, and their schedule is no joke. We’re talking about matchups against Miami University, Penn State, and Michigan. For the 2025-2026 season, keep an eye on players like senior Abigail McCallion and junior Grace McBrien. McBrien, a 6'2" defenseman from Livonia, is a absolute wall on the back end.
It's interesting to see how the women's team has evolved since their inaugural season in 2007-08. They aren't just "participating" anymore; they are winning. They took the CCWHA Conference Championship in 2016 and have remained a top-tier contender ever since. If you're looking for tactical, smart hockey, the women's games are arguably better than the men's "crash and bang" style.
Life at Griff’s Georgetown: The Home Ice Advantage
If you want to watch the Lakers, you have to head over to Hudsonville. Griff’s Georgetown is about a five-minute drive from the main Allendale campus. It’s a two-sheet facility that serves as the heart of the program.
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One thing that surprises newcomers is the attendance. This isn't just parents in the stands. GVSU hockey maintains the third-highest average attendance of all sports at the university, trailing only football and basketball. Think about that for a second. In a school with a massive football culture, a "club" hockey team is pulling in more fans than many varsity sports.
The atmosphere is electric. The "Laker Lineup" student section is usually chirping the opposing goalie from the moment he touches the ice. It’s intimate, loud, and honestly a bit intimidating for visiting teams who aren't used to playing in a "fishbowl" environment.
The "Varsity Club" Myth
There’s a common misconception that club sports are just for fun. At Grand Valley, they use the term "varsity club." This is a fancy way of saying the university treats them like a varsity program in terms of expectations and professionalism, but the players have to pay to play.
That’s the part that really kills me. These athletes are training at 6:00 AM, traveling across the country on buses, and maintaining high GPAs, all while paying thousands of dollars in "player fees" to cover ice time and jerseys.
The recruitment process is just as intense as the NCAA. Coaches like Matthew Sekosan (Men's D1) aren't just looking for guys who can skate; they are scouring the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and various Tier II junior leagues for talent. You'll see players joining from the Soo Eagles, the Columbia Valley Rockies, and even international spots like Belgium or Canada.
What it Takes to Get Recruited
If you're a high school player looking at grand valley state university hockey, don't expect a casual tryout. Most of these roster spots are filled months in advance through active scouting.
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- Junior Experience is Key: Very few players jump straight from high school to the GVSU M1 or M2 rosters. Most spend a year or two in "Juniors" to toughen up.
- The NCSA Profile: For the women’s team especially, having a verified recruiting profile is huge. Coaches use these to track stats and watch highlight reels before they ever see you in person.
- Academic Standing: GVSU isn't a "skate through" school. The university has solid academic standards, and the club sports department keeps a close eye on player eligibility.
- The Budget: Be prepared for the cost. Since it’s not NCAA, full-ride athletic scholarships don't exist in the same way. There are some smaller club-specific scholarships and grants, but most players are balancing tuition with their love for the game.
The Rivalries You Can't Miss
You haven't lived until you've seen GVSU play Hope College. It’s the "Anchor-Bone" of the ice. Even though Hope is a smaller school in Holland, their hockey program is elite (they just won another National Championship in 2025). When these two play, the rink is standing-room only.
Then there’s Davenport University. Because they are so close geographically (just down the road in Caledonia/Grand Rapids), the games often turn into a penalty-filled slugfest. There’s a genuine dislike between these programs that makes for some of the best entertainment in West Michigan.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Recruits
If you're interested in following the team or potentially lacing up the skates for the Lakers, here is what you actually need to do:
- Check the Schedule: Don't just show up at the rink. The teams play on different nights. The official GVSU Club Sports website has the most up-to-date calendars for M1, M2, M3, and the Women’s team.
- Buy Tickets Online: Games often sell out, especially the Friday night M1 slots. Griff’s Georgetown uses an online ticketing system that’s much easier than trying to hawk a seat at the door.
- Recruitment Forms: If you're a player, go to the GVSU Club Sports page and find the "Prospect Form." Fill it out completely. Don't wait for them to find you.
- Follow the Socials: Honestly, the best way to see the "vibe" of the team is their Instagram and Twitter (X) accounts. They post game highlights, jersey reveals, and "day in the life" content that shows the reality of the travel schedule.
Grand Valley hockey is a testament to the "grind." It’s a program built on the backs of players who love the game enough to pay for the privilege of getting hit. Whether you’re a student looking for a night out or a serious recruit aiming for the next level, the Lakers are the gold standard for what collegiate club hockey should look like.