MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN) – United Way of Marquette County hosted the first Red Wings Alumni Hockey Night in 2022 as a fundraiser to support their mission of helping others.
“We raised over $100,000 and it was a huge success,” said Andrew Licauer, executive director of Marquette County United Way. “Our goal is obviously to raise money and everything we raise stays here and helps our residents.”
Following the overall success of the fundraiser, expectations are already high for the return of fundraising this fall, with even greater fundraising goals to be achieved.
“Last year we held a competition to see who could raise the most money individually,” Nick Boyle said. “This year we eliminated individual content and moved to a team format. So now we’re looking at ways we can work together as a group to make a little more impact and bring in more funding.”
The main event will once again be a hockey game between the Red Wings Alumni team and the Yooper United team.
The road team consists of names that are self-explanatory to hockey fans.
“The Red Wings alumni team is former Red Wings players,” Rickauer said. “It could be a player who played last year or someone who's older. We don't have rosters available as the date approaches. We're often told by the alumni association that there's going to be some big weapons this time around.”
Don't expect the home team to back out. They are ready to show the former pros what UP hockey is all about.
“It's very exciting,” Rikauer said. “These are guys who are involved in our community, and a lot of people have seen them play. Whether they're just club hockey players or they're alumni of Northern University, you get to know them. You've seen them, you've seen what they're like and you've seen them play against some of the great players you've seen on TV.”
In their previous encounter, the match ended in a 7-7 draw. For returning players like Wolf Belanger, he's ready to settle the bill.
“I think it was easy to come back,” Belanger said. “It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance, but it's a second chance for me. We didn't get the win that we wanted, and it was a tie. I'm pretty competitive, so I'd like to win. A win against the Red Wings. I want to.”
For Euper United's first-year player Gavin Porter, it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
“I had a chance to watch the last event and it was special,” Porter said. “The community really came together and raised a lot of money for the United Way. It's such a great opportunity to play against a Red Wings team. I grew up watching the Red Wings, so I'm a huge fan. So this is just a great opportunity.”
Boyle also returns after playing in the last game. He was scheduled to join the Yooper United team, but after a last-minute trade, he ended up playing with hockey legends.
“I had to go to a team called the Red Wings,” Boyle said. “It was last minute. I was literally in the locker room getting ready and they called me in because they needed another body on the ice. So it was kind of last minute. But it was still a great experience.”
Until then, the Yooper United team will focus on their fundraising goals. New this year is a jersey contest, one of many fundraising opportunities.
“There will be a number of events taking place in and around the venue on game day,” Mr Boyle said. “It's going to feel like we're celebrating Hockeyville all over again. We're going to have a big block party in the parking lot, there's going to be a red carpet for the players and the Red Wings, and we're going to have events indoors during the game as well.” We want people to not only open their wallets and work with us to help our communities, but also to open their hearts and show their support for United Way and the amazing communities they support. I hope.”
Details for Hockey Night are still being finalized. Tickets for the event are expected to go on sale in June.
Visit uwmqt.org for the latest information on fundraising and event details for this fall's big game.
