NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WJMN) – The Yoopers United Hockey Team will be holding a variety of fundraising events prior to their game against the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Team this September.
Their goal is to raise as much money as possible for the Marquette County United Way.
This weekend, they're teaming up with UP Brewing Company to host the “Rail Street Block Party and Beer Pong Tournament.”
The event will take place on Rail Street in downtown Negaunee from noon to 8pm and will feature live music, local vendors, delicious food, prizes and of course a beer pong tournament on Rail Street.
This event will provide endless fun for you and your family and there's still time to register to attend.
“We're doing a registration day right now,” said Nick Boyle, Yoopers United team liaison. “Basically, it costs $20 per player to participate. The reason we're doing this is because it's a United Way fundraiser, so we're donating money to the United Way. We also have prizes for the top finishers. We also have custom beer pong tables made by the Belanger brothers out of hockey trading cards. It's a little teaser for the events we'll be having in September. Overall, it's going to be a really fun time, and it's a chance to actually see a lot of our players who will be playing in September.”
Boyle encourages people to stop by downtown and experience all the area has to offer.
“Downtown Negaunee isn't what it was 20 years ago,” Boyle said, “It's a really vibrant business community. We just need to have this event and get people out and exploring Downtown Negaunee and enjoying the great weather. We're going to have fun in the sun.”
Tickets for the Yoopers United vs. Detroit Red Wings Alumni game are on sale now and can be purchased online or at the NMU ticket office, and Boyle urges people to get theirs now while they still can.
“I can tell you we're going to have a great lineup,” Boyle said. “I know it's tough waiting to find out what's going to happen. I know some people are waiting to buy tickets, but please hold on, because once the lineup is announced it's going to be an incredible match.”
While the final lineup has yet to be decided, Boyle gave us a sneak peek at what to expect.
“We have at least six players coming from Traverse City that are directly involved with the Red Wings, so we know we're going to have some big name players there. We also have some players returning from the Red Wings that everybody here loves. Mickey Redmond, of course, and Joey Costa said when he got promoted last year that he wasn't going to miss this game, so it's pretty much guaranteed he'll be here. And Randy McKay, everybody loves Randy, he's already announced he's going to be here as well. It's going to be a great team, I'm sure. So I can't stress this enough to you all, please come out and support the United Way. Make sure you buy your tickets early so you don't miss it.”
The Yoopers United vs. Red Wings Alumni Hockey Game will be held on September 13th at the Berry Events Center.
Keep an eye on Yoopers United's fundraising efforts leading up to the big game, but in the meantime, you can find more information on the United Way of Marquette County Facebook page.
- Aug. 10: 3-on-3 pond hockey at the Berry Events Center
- August 17: Cornhole Tournament at Hurley Field
- August 18: Baraga Street Children's Museum Block Party
- Aug. 24: Poker Run, Forsyth Township
- August 30: Billiards tournament at 3rd Base Bar
- Details to be determined
