Hockey team returns to Marquette

MARQUETTE — After disbanding in the mid-1970s, one of the more successful hockey teams in the Marquette area will be returning to play in the Great Lakes Hockey League. The details are still being ironed out in regards to try-outs for the team and who will coach, which should be announced tomorrow.

Team founder Robert Airaudi says since the announcement was made last week, his phone has been ringing off the hook.

“Thousands of people have been looking forward to this. I got a special plan that’s in the works for my opening weekend and I think it will really put this team and this area back on the map,” Airaudi said.

Airaudi says he has about 18 of the 30 players already lined to compete next season. He adds that it took a lot of work to get this going and finally, the comeback is complete.

“It just happened to work out that I was in the position to do it. I knew some really good guys that wanted to play. And what really made it great for me is tying the iron range into it. So having that whole iron history and knowing that this whole area was built on it…it kind of paying a little homage towards them too,” said Airaudi.

The first scheduled games will be in early November, featuring some matchups against the Portage Lake Pioneers and the Calumet Wolverines. Tryouts for the team will be held in late June and August. For more information, contact the Lakeview Arena office.