MIHL Returns to Kalkaska for 25-26 Season

June 4, 2025, St. Louis, MI-The Michigan Independence Hockey League (MIHL) is proud to announce the

addition of its eighth team for the upcoming 2025-26 season, the Kalkaska Kings. The team will call the

Kaliseum Recreation Complex in Kalkaska, Michigan home, a venue with a seating capacity of over 800.

This move marks a meaningful return to one of the league’s (2023-24) locations, and the MIHL is thrilled to

once again be part of the Kalkaska community.

The Kings will be operated by Kalkaska Kings Hockey LLC, a group comprised of three individuals with

prior hockey ownership experience. They are actively seeking to include local leadership and management,

with additional announcements expected in the near future.

MIHL Commissioner Scott Brand shared:

“Once we learned the Kaliseum would be available for the 2025-26 season, we immediately reached out to

the facility and county officials to develop a long-term vision. We’ve committed to a two-year lease with an

optional two-year extension. We believe this partnership—with the facility, the county, local ice users, and

the outstanding Kalkaska community—can foster a fun and vibrant hockey environment. With the MIHL

offering a stable, competitive platform for semi-pro hockey, we know the Kings will be a tremendous asset to

our league.”

With the addition of Kalkaska, the MIHL will now consist of eight teams and plans to introduce a divisional

format for the 2025-26 season. Teams will compete in 26 regular-season games.

Proposed divisional alignment:

• North Division: Kalkaska, Cheboygan, St. Ignace, Alpena

• South Division: Muskegon, Fraser, Waterford, Detroit

Final operational details and the season structure will be confirmed during the MIHL’s annual league meeting

on June 28th in Muskegon.

Commissioner Brand concluded:

“We feel incredibly fortunate to now have eight teams supported by eight strong ownership groups. I want to

recognize and thank the original four teams, along with several past organizations, that helped build this

league from the ground up. Like any new venture, we've had our share of growing pains, but with the

implementation of updated bylaws, professional operations, a dedicated officiating staff, and increased

transparency, the MIHL is positioned for sustainable growth. I fully believe we could reach twelve teams in

the coming seasons.”

Now entering its sixth season, the Michigan Independence Hockey League continues to provide

competitive, Semi-Professional hockey experience featuring skilled players with junior, collegiate,

and professional experience. The league remains committed to fostering a sustainable, community-

supported hockey environment.

For more information, visit https://mihl.hockeyshift.com