With only two years of existence, history is already being written on the ice. What began as behind-the-scenes conversations and a formalization process in November 2023 has evolved into one of Schoolcraft College’s greatest athletic powerhouses. Leading this journey is Head Coach Dan Phelps, whose experience and vision have been the pillars of the significant results achieved in record time, alongside a select group of players who have fully earned this remarkable trajectory.
The Experience Behind the Success
To lead the program, Schoolcraft turned to Dan Phelps, a choice that quickly justified itself. With over 24 years of experience, Phelps brings a background that includes stints at the junior and high school levels, and most notably, six seasons in ACHA Division I at Adrian College, where he amassed 165 wins and was named the ACHA National Coach of the Year in 2011.
Beyond collegiate success, Phelps served on the coaching staff for the U.S. National University Team as an assistant coach in three World University Games (WUG), representing the country in Turkey, Italy, and Spain. His ability to build programs from the ground up, as he did at Novi High School, and his extensive network within the Michigan hockey scene were fundamental in transforming Schoolcraft from a project on paper into a national-level competitor in just 24 months.
The ACHA Model and the JUCO Identity
Unlike other Schoolcraft sports that fall under the NJCAA, hockey operates under the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association). Playing in Division II, the Ocelots enjoy an autonomy that requires a different management.
One of Phelps’ greatest challenges is the absence of athletic scholarships due to league regulations. However, he turned this into an opportunity through the JUCO (Junior College) model. By offering more affordable tuition and the chance to earn a degree in two years, the program has become an ideal destination for local talent seeking high-level competition while preparing for transfers to four-year universities or advance to the next level of competition.
“We don’t just look for the best player, we look for the right player for the team,” said Phelps, emphasizing that character and system-fit are just as valuable as puck-handling skills.
From Probationary to Protagonists
The inaugural 2024-25 season served as a probationary stage. By rule, the team was ineligible for the post-season, but that didn’t stop the Ocelots from steamrolling the competition with a 21-5 record.
“Our first season was probationary, so we were aware we couldn’t qualify for the playoffs, but we played with seriousness and made a mark on the league, proving we were here to compete,” Phelps recalled.
That solid foundation exploded in the 25-26 season. Following a dominant start against universities like Toledo, Oakland, Northern Michigan and Trine. The first two losses came only at the end of September, against Purdue Northwest University, after a seven-game winning streak.
Since the start of 2026, the Ocelots haven’t tasted defeat, maintaining a 12-game winning streak, including a standout performance in the ACHA DII Central Region Tournament.
Heading to Nationals
By securing a top-four finish in the regional tournament, Schoolcraft punched its ticket to the National Tournament, taking place from March 12–17 in St. Louis, Missouri. It marks a historic achievement for a program in its first year of full eligibility.
“This is a very special group; it’s not every year you get the opportunity to work with a team like this,” said Phelps. “We have a group full of leaders who lead by example and motivate others. I can’t say for sure who will win the Nationals, but if the opportunity presents itself, we will be ready to take it.”
Finishing the regular season ranked #3 in the ACHA Central Region, the Ocelots have proven their high standing is no fluke.
The Next Level: Great Lakes Six
As if a trip to the Nationals weren’t enough, the program received a prestigious invitation to join the Great Lakes Six Conference (GL6) next season. The conference, which previously only hosted Division I teams, will launch its Division II wing with the Schoolcraft Ice Hockey team in this select group. This move offers the program an even higher level of competition and further establishes its presence as a rising force in Michigan and the surrounding region.
The program is young, but its accomplishments are already reshaping expectations. A new benchmark has been set for the generations who will take the ice wearing Schoolcraft’s colors. And this is only the beginning.
