Northern Michigan University’s Joe Nardi skates during the Wildcats’ game against Michigan Tech on March 6, 2020. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University hockey player Joseph Nardi has been named to the Preseason All-CCHA team, the newly revamped league announced on Monday.

The fifth-year senior forward ranks second in active players’ career games played, having skated in 149 consecutive contests for NMU.

With 99 career points on 38 goals and 61 assists, last season’s team captain is poised to reach the elusive 100-career point club quickly, looking to become the 52nd player in program history to reach the mark. The most recent Wildcat to reach that plateau was Darien Craighead in the 2019-20 season.

Last season, Nardi led Northern in scoring, recording a career-high 33 points with 12 goals and 21 assists. He also posted the most faceoff wins among all collegiate centers, owning a 396-315 record at the dot.

NMU opens its season with an exhibition game at Michigan Tech at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2.

The Wildcats return home the following weekend to kick off the 2021-22 regular season with a six-game homestand, including an opening series with new CCHA member and NCAA Division I program St. Thomas (Minnesota) on Oct. 8-9.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.