Northern Michigan University will lower the lights on opening night as it prepares to retire the jerseys of three former Wildcats who helped lay the foundation of the program’s early triumphs.
The ceremony, scheduled for October 2, will be accompanied by a luncheon, a special program and a social hour, with tickets available through tickets.nmu.edu.
A Milestone for the Program
Rick Comley, who served as the team’s first head coach from 1976 to 2002, hand‑picked the trio for their outsized influence on the program’s formative years.
Don Waddell, a defenseman whose 1978 campaign earned him CCHA Player of the Year honors, still holds NMU records for single‑season points, goals and assists among blue‑liners.
Tom Laidlaw, a four‑year captain and defensive stalwart, remains the franchise’s all‑time leader in career and single‑season penalty minutes, embodying the gritty spirit of the era.
Steve Bozek, the team’s first All‑American, propelled NMU to the 1980 NCAA Championship game and amassed 89 points as a sophomore, a milestone that still resonates in Wildcat lore.
All three were inducted into the NMU Sports Hall of Fame in the early 1990s, with Bozek’s 1991 induction, Laidlaw’s 1990 honor and Waddell’s 1993 recognition underscoring their lasting impact.
Beyond college, Waddell forged a notable career as a general manager in the NHL, steering the Detroit Red Wings, Atlanta Thrashers, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Laidlaw spent 124 games in the NHL with the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings before transitioning to two decades of player representation and coaching.
Bozek, after 11 professional seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks, added an MBA from Harvard Business School to his résumé, blending athletic prowess with business acumen.
The jersey‑retirement night marks the opening act of a series of tributes tied to the program’s 50th Anniversary Season, promising further honors for the era that defined a generation of Wildcats.
By retiring the jerseys, NMU not only celebrates individual excellence but also signals a renewed commitment to honoring the rich tapestry of talent that has worn the green and gold.
Fans, alumni and members of the broader hockey community are expected to gather in Marquette for the historic occasion, underscoring the deep connections between the university and the sport.