Windigo Relocating After 3 Winning Seasons in Eagle River

The Wisconsin Windigo junior men's hockey team is leaving Eagle River after a three-year run alongside and within one of the most prolific small hockey towns in America.

Calling the historic "Dome" in Eagle River their home was a privilege according to former ownership partner David Rowe, who was the operating face of the franchise the last three years as the team moved to, operated within and became part of the small northern Wisconsin community.

Operating under an agreement with the Eagle River Recreation Association (ERRA), the team came to Eagle River and competed inside the North American Hockey League (NAHL) after Copper Island Hockey Club, LLC., a company headquartered in Houghton, Mich., purchased the franchise formerly known as the Minnesota Magicians in 2022.

Ultimately though it was a lack of available space, less-than-adequate facilities and difficulty with scheduling that led to the inability to develop players, according to Copper Island. It was those things that led to the decision for the franchise to move forward.

"Our ownership group is grateful for the support we received from many fans, billets and sponsors, in Eagle River and the surrounding community over the past three seasons," the team ownership said in a statement late Thursday. "We are proud to have won two regular season Midwest Division championships, won a Robertson Cup Midwest Division playoff championship, and have compiled a regular season record of 119 wins, 47 losses and 13 overtime/shootout losses over the past three years."

Though Rowe, along with team ownership, issued a statement late Thursday, information of the team sale and now subsequent move to Brookfield was leaked following a NAHL board of governors meeting late Tuesday.

"The Copper Island Hockey Club, LLC, was subject to a confidentiality directive by the NAHL to keep this information confidential until this afternoon," an official with the NAHL said. "It is unfortunate that this information was inappropriately leaked (Wednesday)."

Though many of the details were not shared publicly at first, news of the sale to District 5 Sports Group Hockey Club, LLC, and subsequent relocation to Brookfield starting with this next season spread like wildfire through the tight-knit Eagle River hockey community and spirals on social media.

The news was a shock to many in Eagle River who felt over the course of the last three seasons the team had worked hard to mend fences after some hardships in relocating three seasons ago.

And while the Wisconsin Windigo name and branding will remain, the team will now play its home games at the Ponds of Brookfield starting this fall.

Relocation

While putting a winning team on the ice in Eagle River was seemingly never a problem for the Windigo over the course of the last three seasons, ownership felt obligated to continue a search for a location that was more conducive for development of athletes searching for a route to the collegiate level.

That search didn't come without "mixed emotions," according to previous owners.
"We feel it is in the best interest of the organization moving forward that the reins be turned over to a new ownership group such that the team can be relocated to a facility capable of supporting the players and staff in an environment conducive to further development of the players and success of the franchise," the group said. "We are pleased to have found a group of individuals who share our passion for hockey, and are committed to providing the best possible experience and opportunity for young athletes looking to develop both as hockey players and productive members of society."

While the former ownership group didn't get into the weeds, they did hint at many of the issues they had initially with bringing the franchise to Eagle River, as they were met with resistance from groups such as the Eagle River Falcons and some at the ERRA who felt they were forcing themselves into a space that was already tight on locker rooms, ice time and overall facilities.

"We are pleased to bring the NAHL to Brookfield, and an entire community that will be supportive of junior hockey," Copper Island officials said.

And while now it seems like a huge loss for Eagle River, new ownership of the Windigo are excited for the new venture. Greg Copeland, on behalf of the District 5 Sports Group, said "on behalf of the District 5 Sports Group, Matt Roadhouse, Tan Lo, and myself, I want to sincerely thank David Rowe and his entire ownership group in Eagle River for their outstanding work and stewardship of the Wisconsin Windigo over the past several years."

Copeland went on to say how Rowe and his team built a "respected and competitive NAHL program rooted in values we deeply admire, community engagement, player development, and organizational excellence.
"We are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to continue that legacy here in Brookfield."

While it would be hard to argue there is another town in Wisconsin more deeply rooted in hockey lore than Eagle River, by bringing the Windigo to the greater Milwaukee area the new ownership feels it has a chance to connect deeply with one of the most passionate and growing hockey communities in Wisconsin.

"We’re thrilled to call The Ponds of Brookfield Ice Arena our new home, and we look forward to writing the next great chapter of Windigo hockey with the fans, families, and partners who will help shape our future here in the greater Brookfield area."

About the Author: Doug Etten is a 20-year Northwoods resident whose life in journalism began in high school where he rose to editor of his school's newspaper. After graduating he achieved an Associate Degree in Communications from the UW-Systems Colleges and began working for The Star News in Medford. After two tours with The Lakeland Times in Minocqua where he served as reporter, Sports Editor, Outdoors Editor and photographer, he was also Sports Editor at the Tahoe Daily Tribune in South Lake Tahoe before working for the Vilas County News-Review in Eagle River as reporter, photographer, Sports Editor, News Editor and Sales Manager. Etten currently serves as Director of Sales for Hahn Printing and North Star Marketing in Eagle River. He, his wife Ellie, daughter Liza and son Luther reside in Woodruff.