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Semi-pro hockey team 45ers relocates to Alpena

Courtesy Photo Members of the semi-pro Alpena 45ers hockey team practice at Northern Lights Arena in this undated photo provided by the team, which moved recently from Gaylord to Alpena.

ALPENA — The 45ers, a well-established, semi-professional hockey franchise, has officially announced its relocation from Gaylord to Alpena, stirring excitement among fans.

Myles Grix, owner and head coach of the 45ers, said moving was “one of the toughest” decisions he’s ever made.

“Our attendance numbers continued to drop year by year, and a majority of our sponsors were already in Alpena,” Grix said.

The move to Alpena became a crucial step to ensure the survival of the franchise, Grix said.

By moving to a community with a strong hockey culture and existing support network, the 45ers hope to build a more sustainable future.

Courtesy Image The Alpena 45ers logo is seen in this image provided by the team.

Grix is optimistic about the team’s new home in Alpena, describing it as a “hockey town with great people all around.”

He believes the community’s passion for the sport aligns well with the team’s mission and values.

“There’s definitely no negative impact to the move,” he said. “I believe this is a perfect match for what we bring.”

For fans, the move to Alpena brings continuity and excitement. While the team’s name may change, Grix said the 45ers will maintain its commitment to providing a top-notch experience.

“We’ve run a very competitive and successful organization these past four years, and we plan to continue that here for a long time,” he said.

The 45ers are not just looking to be a team that plays in Alpena. They want to become a part of the community fabric, Grix said.

Already, the team has launched initiatives such as reading and crafts nights at the local library.

“We want to be involved,” Grix emphasized, adding that more events are in the works to engage with local businesses and organizations.

One notable upcoming event is the team’s partnership with ABA Pathways for an autism awareness game, showcasing the team’s commitment to social causes.

The initial response from the Alpena community has been overwhelmingly positive, Grix said. He’s hopeful that, as word spreads and the season kicks off, the 45ers will gain a “strong, supportive following” in Alpena.

“We have already received a lot of positive feedback from many individuals and businesses within the community,” he noted.

The relocation also brings logistical benefits for the team’s training and preparation. With access to a state-of-the-art weight room at the team’s new home at Northern Lights Arena, the players are expected to benefit greatly.

“Having a state-of-the-art weight room right in our home rink is a huge bonus for our players to be physically fit for game time,” Grix shared.

As for the upcoming season, the 45ers have clear goals. While aiming to compete for a championship, Grix acknowledges that the team is young and will need to focus on preparation and cohesion.

“We’ve got a lot of new guys and are going to be a really young team. We have to make sure our guys are prepared for every game,” he said.

Fans can look forward to a season of fast, physical, and competitive hockey, Grix said.

“The games are very fast, physical, and competitive,” he said. “The league itself has grown so much in the past few years that any team can win on any given night.”

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