Jackson Generals Join MIHL as Twelve Team Cap for 2026-27 Becomes Official

(St. Louis, MI) – June 17, 2026 – The Michigan Independence Hockey League (MIHL) has announced the addition of its twelfth team for the 2026-27 season. The newest team, the Jackson Generals, will be based in Jackson, Michigan, and will call Optimist Ice Arena home. 

The Jackson Generals become the latest addition to the MIHL's continued growth throughout Michigan and the Midwest. The team will begin competition during the 2026-27 season and will compete against teams from Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana as the league enters its largest season to date. 

"We are excited to welcome the Jackson Generals to the MIHL family," said Commissioner Scott Brand. "Jackson has a strong hockey tradition, a passionate sports community, and a facility that is well-suited for semi-professional hockey. The ownership group has demonstrated a commitment to building a competitive organization both on and off the ice, and we believe the Generals will be an excellent addition to our league." 

The Generals will begin hockey operations immediately, including front office development, coaching staff recruitment, player identification, and community outreach efforts throughout the Jackson area. 

Team President Michael Klintworth: “We are incredibly excited to bring the Jackson Generals and the first professional hockey team in Jackson’s history to our community. Jackson has always been an underrated but passionate hockey town, with a strong foundation of players, families, and fans who have supported the game for generations. Our goal is to build more than just a hockey team - we want to create something the entire community can rally behind. We want to bring people together, create lasting memories for families, support local businesses, and give Jackson a team it can be proud of. This is an exciting opportunity not only for hockey, but for the continued growth and success of our community, and we look forward to building something special both on and off the ice.” 

"The opportunity to bring semi-professional hockey to Jackson is something we are extremely excited about," said a team representative. "We look forward to creating a team that the community can be proud of and building strong rivalries throughout the MIHL." 

The addition of Jackson brings the MIHL to twelve teams for the upcoming season, marking another milestone in the league's expansion and commitment to providing high-quality, affordable hockey throughout the region. 

The MIHL recently announced it would cap membership at twelve teams for the 2026-27 season, creating a balanced league structure while continuing to focus on organizational stability and long-term growth. 

Additional information regarding the Jackson Generals, including team branding, coaching staff, player tryouts, and season ticket information, will be announced in the coming weeks. 

For more information about the Michigan Independence Hockey League, visit mihl.hockeyshift.com or follow the league on social media. 

About The MIHL 

The Michigan Independence Hockey League (MIHL) is a semi-professional, full-check hockey league operating throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Entering its 2026-27 season, the MIHL is dedicated to providing a competitive and affordable brand of hockey while fostering player development and community involvement.