Warhounds Become Ninth Team Announced for 26-27 Season

(St. Louis, MI) – April 8, 2026 – The Michigan Independence Hockey League (MIHL) is proud to announce the formal approval of its ninth member club for the 2026–27 season: the Northern Michigan Warhounds. 

The addition of the Warhounds brings valuable Semi-Professional/Senior A experience to the MIHL. The team competed during the 2025–26 season and is led by an ownership group headed by Megan Hacker and Andrew Dibble, who has prior experience within the MIHL. The Warhounds will continue to call the Otsego County Sportsplex in Gaylord, Michigan their home venue. 

“With Andrew’s hockey background and operational experience, along with the MIHL’s goal of building a strong northern division, the addition of the Warhounds is a tremendous step forward,” said MIHL Commissioner Scott Brand. “Equally important, they bring a full roster, which strengthens our league’s competitive stability.” 

“This was a decision made with the full picture in mind,” said Warhounds ownership. “From our players and staff to our fans and community, we believe this transition positions the Warhounds for continued growth, stronger competition, and an even better overall experience.” A copy of the full Warhounds release can be found here. 

Brand added, “Our goal has been to ensure our returning teams are financially healthy and competitive on the ice while growing to ten teams. We now have nine, and with the last three additions bringing experienced rosters, I am very excited about what the future holds. From both a business and competitive standpoint, that stability is critical.” 

Northern Michigan joins the Motor City Muskies and the Findlay Force as recent league additions. 

“We will be at 10 teams for the 2026–27 season,” Brand said. “We currently have three additional formal applications under review that we hope to announce by the end of the month, along with five additional inquiries. My position is to cap the league at 10 teams for 2026–27 to ensure strong talent levels and fully rostered clubs. Ultimately, that decision rests with the Board of Governors.” 

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