MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia University Wisconsin men's ice hockey team battled through a challenging 2025-26 campaign, showcasing resilience and determination throughout the season while earning a berth in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) Harris Cup Playoffs.
The Falcons concluded the year with a 10-16-1 overall record and a 6-11-1 mark in NCHA play, finishing seventh in the conference standings. Despite facing a demanding schedule, Concordia secured several notable victories and continued to build momentum within the highly competitive NCHA.
The Falcons earned their first victory of the year on November 1, defeating Concordia Moorhead by a 6-1 score. The win provided an early spark and showcased the offensive potential that the team would display throughout the season.
Conference play began shortly after, and Concordia picked up its first NCHA victory on November 14 with a 5-2 triumph over MSOE. The victory marked the beginning of the Falcons' push toward postseason contention as they battled for positioning throughout the winter months.
One of the season's defining moments came on January 16 when the Falcons delivered one of the biggest upsets in program history. The Falcons stunned nationally ranked No. 3 St. Norbert with a 1-0 victory, earning a statement win over one of the nation's premier Division III programs. The shutout victory highlighted the team's defensive effort and ability to compete with the top teams in the country.
The Falcons remained in the playoff hunt throughout the second half of the season and ultimately secured a spot in the NCHA Harris Cup Playoffs. Concordia faced St. Norbert in the opening round of the postseason, falling 5-2 in the first contest before the Green Knights secured the series with an 8-1 victory, bringing the Falcons' season to a close.
Offensively, the Falcons were led by sophomore forward
Connor Van Weelie, who emerged as the team's top scorer. Van Weelie appeared in 25 games and paced Concordia with 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 total points. His ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities for teammates made him one of the NCHA's most dangerous offensive threats throughout the season.
Beyond success on the ice, the Falcons excelled in the classroom. Concordia placed 20 student-athletes on the NCHA All-Academic Team, highlighting the program's commitment to academic excellence.
The Falcons honored on the NCHA All-Academic Team included Bryar Dittmer, Grant Newcomer, Noah Roitman, Levi Carter, Evan Forrest, Jack Guvenal, Blake Hazelton, Cameron Hrdlicka, Riley Klugerman, Matt Koepke, Liam Lucas, Ty Petzke, Van Weelie,
Pier-Olivier Allard,
Matt Green,
Nick Maksymiu,
Ewan McDevitt,
Elowan Orme-Lynch,
Matteo Orme-Lynch, and
Easton Penna.
While the season featured its share of challenges, Concordia demonstrated perseverance, earned a postseason appearance, recorded a memorable upset victory over a nationally ranked opponent, and continued to establish a culture of success both on the ice and in the classroom.
