The Fox Cities Forge Hockey Team, a new franchise based in Appleton, Wisconsin, is set to take the ice for its inaugural season this September, bringing top‑level junior hockey to the heart of the Fox Valley.
A Pipeline to the Next Generation
The organization is aligned with the Janesville Jets of the NAHL, creating a direct route for players aged 16 to 20 to advance into the league. This affiliation is designed to give Wisconsin athletes a fair chance to be noticed by scouts and to prepare them for college hockey or higher levels of competition.
Mark Mazzoleni and Jeff Lindemann, co‑owners of the Forge, say the team’s mission is to develop young talent while providing a local, affordable option for families across the region.
Community Roots
Beyond competition, the Forge plans extensive community outreach, partnering with local youth hockey groups and offering closer access to games for fans in the Fox Valley. The owners emphasize that the team will be a catalyst for growing the sport at the grassroots level.
The inaugural schedule will feature home games that showcase emerging talent, with the hope of building a loyal fan base that supports both the team and the broader hockey ecosystem in Wisconsin.