From left: Peter Cisar, Tobias Pitka and Evan Johnson of the Northern Michigan University men’s hockey team answer questions for students in Derek Cardinal’s sixth-grade classroom on Friday. (Journal photo by Abby LaForest)

NEGAUNEE — Members of the Northern Michigan University men’s hockey team visited Negaunee Middle School on Friday, playing dodgeball and answering questions for the kids during their school day.

A question and answer session in Derek Cardinal’s sixth-grade classroom revealed that freshman forwards Peter Cisar and Tobias Pitka lived approximately two and a half hours away from each other in their home country of Slovakia, knowing each other before they came over to NMU to play hockey, with Cisar sharing that he and Pitka had played on the national team together.

Students had the chance to ask players about their experiences with schooling and playing hockey. The players shared insights into how long they’ve played the game, what kind of injuries they’d sustained, their training routines and their preferred equipment brands.

Cardinal explained to his students that if they really commit themselves to balancing out their schooling and their love for a sport in college, that the NMU players are proof that you can do what you love alongside continuing your education.

“If you have a desire to play a sport or anything, really … if you want to play a sport in college, you need to really love that sport because it is grueling. There’s a lot of time to spend on the ice,” Cardinal shared with the class. “A lot of time is spent off the ice (while) preparing to be on the ice. In addition to that, you have all of your schooling. It’s a full-time job on top of school. So just keep that in mind, but if you love it, go for it. They’re proof that it can happen.”

Following the Q&A, the players and students participated in an intense dodgeball game together, but who actually won was inconclusive. Players also ate pizza with middle school hockey players for lunch in the schools’ courtyard.

Northern’s first home game of the season will be against the Colorado College Tigers at 7:07 p.m. on Oct. 17 in the Berry Events Center. More information about the upcoming season can be found online at nmuwildcats.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/schedule/2025-26.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.