Welcome Cheboygan Wendigo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MIHL Welcomes Cheboygan Wendigo as Its Sixth Team for the 2025-26 Season

St. Louis, MI – Friday April 4, 2025 – The Michigan Independence Hockey League (MIHL) is pleased to announce the addition of the Cheboygan Wendigo, set to join the league for the upcoming 2025-26 season. This expands the league to six teams, with the potential for more addition before the June 1st expansion deadline.

The Wendigo will host home games at the Ralph G. Cantile Arena, a venue with a capacity of over nine hundred spectators. The arena is located at 480 Cleveland Avenue in Cheboygan, MI. The team will be managed by Peter Pappas, who brings a wealth of experience in both hockey and business operations. The Wendigo also announced that Brandon Nichols will serve as operating manager.

An announcement regarding the team's office and coaching staff will be made shortly. “Our mission is to deliver a high level of competition for local players in northern Michigan while fostering an accessible and successful hockey environment for our community,” stated Owner Peter Pappas. “We are eager to become part of the local hockey scene and collaborate closely with the arena and other users of the arena.”

MIHL Commissioner Scott Brand expressed his excitement about the league's growth, noting, “Cheboygan is a fantastic hockey community, and under Peter’s leadership, I am confident that this team will quickly become woven into the fabric of the area. With its strategic location near Alpena and other markets, we anticipate thrilling and competitive hockey ahead.”

Cheboygan joins fellow expansion team Flint Shadow, along with our existing teams: Muskegon Voyagers, Waterford Sharks, Detroit Warhawks, and the Alpena 45ers.

The Michigan Independence Hockey League entering its sixth season this fall continues to provide competitive Senior A hockey featuring skilled players with junior, collegiate, and professional backgrounds. Our league remains dedicated to cultivating a sustainable and community-focused hockey atmosphere for both players and fans.

For further details, please visit https://mihl.hockeyshift.com.