Michigan is a hockey haven. The state has seen some all-time great players pass through over the years.
More than half a dozen different teams in the developmental ranks now call Michigan home.
Their seasons are well underway. Still there’s plenty of time to see the pucks fly.
Most of them run until late March or even into April. Here is a rundown of teams around the state.
In West Michigan, the Grand Rapids Griffins are an American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings.
The AHL is one step under the NHL, similar to Class AAA in baseball. Griffins games are held at Van Andel Arena.
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has his fingerprints all over this franchise.
Get a closer look at these NHL hopefuls as they sharpen their skills.
A lot has changed since the end of last season.
First-year head coach Dan Watson talked about his efforts to connect with the team:
“To be a players’ coach, you have to understand each individual, so that’s where you start. How do these individuals fit into a group? I want to care about each guy personally so they can be successful on and off the ice. Once a player understands that you have their backs – that you really do have their personal interests at heart – that’s when we start to talk about going through the wall and playing hard for their coach.” Sounds like he has got the right idea. Keep an eye on the Griffins.
The Kalamazoo Wings are members of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
Wings Event Center is the team’s headquarters. They are a premier AA affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks.
The ECHL is a mid-level minor league just below the AHL. It's fascinating to watch an NHL farm system at work.
This a perfect place to observe the on-ice development process. Witness world-class talents take to the ice.
Shifting gears, The Motor City Rockers and Port Huron Prowlers compete in the Federal Prospects Hockey League,
an independent outfit at the Single-A level. The style of play is often a bit more open and freewheeling than others.
Big Boy Arena in Fraser is The Rockers’ home base. The Prowlers suit up at McMorran Place Sports & Entertainment Center.
Rally for Motor City in their run toward the postseason. Follow Port Huron as they face off against FPHL rivals.
Several top junior teams also operate out of the state. Those include prospects between the ages of 16 to 20 years old.
Among them are a couple of franchises in Mid-Michigan.
The Flint Firebirds are a franchise in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The Firebirds’ home is Dort Financial Center.
The OHL is a division of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the world’s largest developmental league.
It is the NHL’s biggest pipeline of talent.
The Saginaw Spirit are an OHL team as well. They are one of two CHL clubs in the state.
The Spirit are currently No. 4 in the CHL Top 10 rankings. Their home arena is Dow Event Center.
Support Saginaw in their chase for the Cup.
The CHL is officially known as Major Junior hockey as opposed to the minor leagues.
A good percentage of NHL players make their way through the CHL at some point in their careers.
This is a great chance to see future stars in action.
The Muskegon Lumberjacks skate in the United States Hockey League (USHL), or Tier I juniors.
That is the highest level of junior hockey in the United States. The USHL is overseen by USA Hockey.
The Lumberjacks look to build on their early success this season. They take the ice at Trinity Health Arena.
This is an opportunity to catch major college recruits and U.S. Olympic prospects up close.
The Soo Eagles suit up in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL).
The Eagles are renowned as a proving ground for college programs throughout the nation.
They are based out of Pullar Stadium. If you’re in Northern Michigan, don’t miss out this season.
The Great Lakes State has a slew of teams to support. Hockey clubs should be cheered all across the state.
Adopt a local team of your own today. There is no better time.