Honoring a legacy
Northern Michigan University will retire the jerseys of three former Wildcats who helped shape the program’s early identity, marking the first time the school has bestowed that honor. The ceremony, scheduled for October 2, 2026, will take place in the Berry Events Center before the team’s home‑opening game.
Don Waddell, a defenseman who captained the team from 1976 to 1980, still holds NMU records for points, goals and assists. His 1978 CCHA Player of the Year award highlighted a career that later extended to the NHL, where he served as a general manager for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Tom Laidlaw, a four‑year captain and defensive stalwart, remains the franchise’s all‑time leader in penalty minutes while also ranking among the top scoring defensemen in the 1978–79 season. After his collegiate career he became a hockey agent and even competed on the reality series *Survivor*.
Steve Bozek arrived in his freshman year as the program’s first All‑American, posting 24 points and following it up with 89 points as a sophomore. His leadership guided NMU to the 1980 NCAA Championship game, and he was later drafted by the Los Angeles Kings before enjoying an 11‑year NHL career with the Flames and Canucks.
The retirement ceremony will include a luncheon, a program tribute and a social hour, with tickets available through tickets.nmu.edu. The event forms part of the 50th Anniversary Season celebrations, underscoring the lasting impact of these players on NMU hockey.
Beyond collegiate glory, each of the three players contributed to the broader hockey world. Waddell’s managerial roles in the NHL, Laidlaw’s work as an agent and his *Survivor* appearance, and Bozek’s three‑round draft selection and subsequent NHL stints illustrate a legacy that extends well beyond the university rink.