Milestone Celebration
Northern Michigan University is marking a half‑century of Wildcat hockey with a series of events that run from July 30 through August 1, inviting alumni, students, and the broader community to join the celebration.
The festivities open with an anniversary kickoff at Blackrocks Brewery, where Texas Roadhouse will provide snacks and attendees are encouraged to RSVP. The gathering sets a lively tone for the days ahead, blending local flavor with the program’s rich history.
On July 31, the Berry Events Center will host an open house from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., offering fans a chance to explore the facility and browse the Wildcat Green and Gold Shop for commemorative gear.
Later that evening, a welcome‑back reception at Ore Dock Brewing will run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., giving former players and supporters a relaxed setting to reconnect.
Golf Outing and Alumni Involvement
The celebration concludes on August 1 with a charity golf outing at the NMU golf course. Public teams can participate for $240 per foursome, and all proceeds will be directed toward supporting the hockey program’s future initiatives.
Assistant coach Phil Fox, an NMU hockey alumnus who captained the team in 2011, expressed enthusiasm about the milestone, noting the importance of alumni involvement in shaping the program’s next chapter.
Fox’s sentiment underscores a broader theme: the 50‑year anniversary is not only a look back at past triumphs but also a forward‑looking effort to strengthen community ties and invest in the sport’s future at Northern Michigan University.