Marquette County Hockey Night: A Thrilling Fundraiser for United Way

In the heart of Marquette, Michigan, a captivating hockey showdown unfolded, pitting the local Yoopers United team against the legendary Red Wings Alumni. This annual event, a cherished tradition in the community, served as a powerful fundraiser for the United Way of Marquette County, raising vital funds to support a wide range of local agencies and programs.

Uniting the Community Through the Power of Hockey

A Competitive Spirit for a Worthy Cause

The Red Wings Alumni team, comprising former NHL players, took to the ice at the Berry Events Center, determined to showcase their skills and compete against the Yoopers United squad. Despite the competitive nature of the game, the players were united in their commitment to supporting the United Way's mission. "We're all competitive, so we all want to win," said Red Wings Alumni Right Wing Luke Witkowski. "But at the end of the day, it all goes to a good cause. Win or lose, we're just trying to enjoy the experience."

Marquette County Hockey Night: A Cherished Tradition

The Marquette County Hockey Night event had been on hiatus for a year due to renovations at the Berry Event Center, but its return was eagerly anticipated by the community. "This is the biggest fundraiser of the year," said United Way of Marquette County Executive Director Andrew Rickauer. "Every dollar we raise is super important to Marquette County residents. We work with 30 local agencies, so everything from ticket sales, everything we're doing here stays right here in Marquette County to help our local friends, neighbors, residents, youth programs, senior programs, food insecurity."

A Dream Come True for Local Players

For the Yoopers United team, the opportunity to face off against the Red Wings Alumni was a dream come true. Yoopers United Forward Andrew Herriman expressed his pride in representing his hometown and giving back to the community that has supported him and his family. "I figure give back to the community that's given a lot to me, my family, the rest of the players here and the residents of Marquette," Herriman said.

A Thrilling Conclusion

The game itself was a nail-biter, with the two teams battling it out on the ice. In the end, the Red Wings Alumni emerged victorious, scoring six goals in the second period to defeat the Yoopers United by a score of 9-6. The excitement and camaraderie on display throughout the event were a testament to the power of sports to bring a community together and support a worthy cause.