Old time hockey is back in the Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE — You can call it a throwback and a comeback.

After nearly four decades of being dormant, the Marquette Iron Rangers will take to the ice this weekend and the players spoke about what it means to them to be a part of the new generation of Iron Rangers hockey.

“It means a lot to us. It was a team that most of us watched when we were growing up, playing in the leagues that they were playing in that came and went. So being a part of them really means a lot to me personally,” Dominik said.

“The team here is just something I’ve always wanted to do…help out the Marquette community and getting kids back into this. That’s the big part is the kids,” said Bourdeau.

“It’s a really good opportunity for us. We’re really excited. Preparation is fun but at the same time, we have to adjust a little bit for all ages, all groups and all skill levels and we’ve been tackling it accordingly,” Rajala said.

The team will compete in the Great Lakes Hockey League and they will know immediately if they are good enough to hang with likes of Calumet and Portage Lake.

“It’s going to be a good test, see where we are through the year. Like I said, we’re a new team but we are learning fast and we’re going to continue to get better and better and I think you’re going to see some great hockey. I know you are going to see some great hockey and hopefully we can come out all nice on top,” Airaudi said.

Saturday’s festivities will include a meet and greet with the Hanson Brothers, best known for their role in the movie “Slapshot”.

Tickets for that event are available at the Lakeview office or Perani’s Hockey World in Marquette. If you would like more information on the event, you can check out their Facebook page.