MIHL Welcomes Motor City Muskies as Eighth Team for 2026-27 Season

(St. Louis, MI) – March 4, 2026 – The Michigan Independence Hockey League (MIHL) is proud to announce the formal approval of its eighth member club for the 2026-27 season, the Motor City Muskies. 

The Muskies bring valuable Semi-Professional/Senior A experience, having competed during the 2025-26 season. The team will continue to call Lincoln Park Community Center in Lincoln Park, Michigan as its home venue. The ownership group is led by Robert Brooks, who also operates Ponds of Dreams, a company specializing in equipment and apparel from NHL, ECHL, OHL, and NCAA teams. 

“With Robert’s hockey background and operational experience, and with the MIHL’s goal of maintaining a three-team presence in the Detroit area, the addition of the Muskies is a tremendous step forward,” said MIHL Commissioner Scott Brand. “Equally important, they have the ability to bring over a full roster, which strengthens our league’s competitive stability.” 

Motor City ownership shared their excitement about joining the MIHL. 

“We are thrilled to join the Michigan Independence Hockey League and build something special for our players and fans in Lincoln Park. The MIHL’s commitment to stability and growth aligns perfectly with our vision, and we look forward to competing at a high level while representing our community.” 

Brand added, “I am very excited that our league is back to at least eight teams for the 2026-27 season. Just as importantly, our expansion clubs are entering with full rosters and strong operational foundations. From a business and competitive standpoint, that stability is critical.” 

Motor City joins the Findlay Force, bringing the league to at least eight teams for next season. 

“I firmly believe we will reach 10 teams for 2026-27,” Brand said. “We currently have two additional official applications under review that we hope to announce by the end of the month, along with five additional inquiries. My position is to cap 10 teams for the 2026-27 season to ensure we maintain strong talent levels and fully rostered clubs. Ultimately, that decision rests with the Board of Governors.” 

The 2025-26 regular season concludes at the end of March. The two division leaders will receive first-round byes in the playoffs. The remaining teams will compete in a best-of-three opening-round series, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday, April 4.  

A weekend back-to-back will take place for Game 2 and is slated for Saturday, April 11, while Game 3 (if necessary) will be played on Sunday, April 12. 

For more information about the MIHL, visit mihl.hockeyshift.com or follow the league on social media.