Traverse City North Stars out, Soo Eagles in for ’12-13

By Matt Mackinder –

After seven North American Hockey League seasons, the Traverse City North Stars will be no more once this season concludes.

The Soo Eagles will take their place in the group of Michigan-based teams starting next year after being approved for membership on March 2.

The Soo group was granted approval to operate in the Sault Ste. Marie market conditioned upon acquiring and relocating an existing NAHL membership, that of which is the North Stars, who were one of seven NAHL franchises granted dormancy status for next season.

“We set out as an ownership group in June of 2010 to provide boys an opportunity to improve their game, grow as men, give back to the community, and provide a track to NCAA Division I and Division III college hockey programs,” said Eagles owner Ron Lavin. “We’re delighted to have been accepted in the NAHL and we want to be sure everyone within the community knows that we are keeping the Soo Eagles hockey team right here in Sault Ste. Marie.”

The Eagles won a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League championship in 2010.

The Soo Indians played in the NAHL from 1995-2005 and their claim to fame is developing goaltender Ryan Miller before he departed for Michigan State.

“We are very pleased to have a team back in the Sault Ste. Marie area because it has such a passionate and knowledgeable fan base,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “The NAHL’s roots reside in the state of Michigan and we are happy that we are adding a quality organization like the Soo Eagles to our already well-established footprint in the area. With the amount of NCAA hockey programs in the area, it is a natural fit and will provide the players the best opportunity for exposure as they look to build their hockey careers.”

“We’re very pleased with the extensive and thorough process that it took to be approved by the NAHL,” added Lavin. “As an organization, we are making a significant financial commitment and are looking forward to the continued support of our local fans and sponsors. Without them, we couldn’t begin to take on this new project. It’s our goal to sell 300 season tickets for the upcoming year.”

The Eagles will play their home games out of the 2250-seat Pullar Stadium.