Northern Michigan University will retire the jerseys of three of its most iconic hockey players on October 2, 2026, marking the first time the program has honored former athletes in this way.
A Milestone in Wildcat Hockey
Don Waddell, Tom Laidlaw and Steve Bozek, who starred for the Wildcats in the late 1970s and early 1980s, will be celebrated for their on‑ice brilliance and lasting impact on the university’s hockey tradition.
Waddell, a defenseman, still holds NMU records for single‑season points, goals and assists and earned CCHA Player of the Year in 1978. Laidlaw captained the team for four years, set franchise records for penalty minutes and was a key member of the 1980 NCAA championship squad. Bozek, the program’s first All‑American, led NMU to the 1980 title game, garnered multiple All‑CCHA selections and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
The ceremony will take place at the Berry Events Center, where a luncheon at the Holiday Inn in Marquette will precede a program from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a social hour until 2 p.m. Tickets for the pre‑game tribute and the home‑opening game against Miami (OH) are available at tickets.nmu.edu.
Rick Comley, who announced the retirement of the jerseys as part of the 50th Anniversary Season, described the occasion as a historic first step in recognizing the contributions of these legends to the university’s rich hockey heritage.
Beyond their college careers, Waddell has risen to senior management roles in the NHL, serving as general manager for the Detroit Red Wings, Atlanta Thrashers, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets. Laidlaw spent 12 seasons in the NHL, including as an alternate captain for the New York Rangers, and later founded a hockey‑agent firm. Bozek added an MBA from Harvard Business School to his post‑playing résumé after stints with the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks.