The Indiana Blizzard was a professional ice hockey team based in Dyer, Indiana. The team was a member of the All American Hockey League and began its inaugural season in October 2009 as the Detroit Hitmen. The Blizzard played their home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center Arena.

Indiana Blizzard
CityDyer, Indiana
LeagueAll American Hockey League
Founded2009
Home arenaMidwest Training & Ice Center Arena
ColorsBlack, Light Blue, White
Head coachJimi Simmons
Franchise history
2009Detroit Hitmen
2009–2010West Michigan Blizzard
2010–2011Indiana Blizzard
Championships
Regular season titles0
Playoff championships0

History edit

The West Michigan Blizzard started their inaugural season in October 2009 as the Detroit Hitmen, located in Fraser, Michigan. Due to the financial issues, the team was relocated to Norton Shores, Michigan on December 17, 2009. Matt Wiedenhoeft was the founding partner of the Hitmen, who orchestrated the relocation to the Muskegon, Michigan's L.C. Walker Arena.[1] Their name was changed to the West Michigan Blizzard.

In September 2010, the team announced their relocation to Dyer, Indiana due to the inability for a new ice arena to get built in Norton Shores. After the relocation, the team changed their name to the Indiana Blizzard.[2] Their new arena was at the Midwest Ice Center.[3][4] Despite their new home, the team ceased operations in 2011.

Season-by-season record edit

Season GP W L OTL SL PTS PCT GF GA PIM Home Away Season Standing Playoff Result
2009–10 40 26 13 00 01 53 .65 83 54 195 15–5–0–0 11–8–0–1 4th Lost in Championship Game

Glossary: GP= Games played, W= Wins, L= Losses, OTL= Over Time Losses, SL= Shootout Losses, PTS= Points, PCT= Winning Percentage, GF= Goals For, GA= Goals Against, PIM= Penalty Minutes

Roster edit

Forwards
# Player Pos. Shoots Height Weight Place of Birth
4   Ryan Webb F R 5 ft 10 in 180 lb. Roseville, Michigan, United States
5   Zachary Kane F R Jamestown, New York, United States
7   Greg Eggelston F R 5 ft 8 in 200 lb. Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
8   Jose Vasquez F R 6 ft 3 in 205 lb. Shelby Township, Michigan, United States
98   Roger Recsh F R 7 ft 1 in 220 lb. Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
11   Andrew Sanders F L 6 ft 1 in 200 lb. Salem, Oregon, United States
12   Charles Harvey F R 6 ft 0 in 175 lb. Columbus, Ohio, United States
17   Peter Pritchett F R 6 ft 3 in 225 lb. Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
20   Scott O'Connor F R 5 ft 9 in 180 lb. Marysville, Michigan, United States
25   Bill Vitale F R 5 ft 10 in 175 lb. Laurel Springs, New Jersey, United States
Defensemen
# Player Pos. Shoots Height Weight Place of Birth
2   B.J. Belliotti D L 5 ft 9 in 180 lb. Waterford, Michigan, United States
18   Emory Lovse D R 5 ft 9 in 165 lb. Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
19   Bradley Bohlinger D R 5 ft 11 in 190 lb. St. Clair Shores, Michigan, United States
22   Ryan Sexsmith D R 5 ft 11 in 210 lb. Dearborn, Michigan, United States
23   Matt Mosley D R 5 ft 10 in 190 lb. Trenton, Michigan, United States
24   Brett Aimone D R 6 ft 0 in 200 lb. Toms River, New Jersey, United States
51   Dan Olesky D R 5 ft 11 in 230 lb. Chesterfield, Michigan, United States
Goaltenders
# Player Pos. Catches Height Weight Place of Birth
1   Matt Kinsella G R Toronto, Ontario, Canada
74   Nortan Ali G L 5 ft 6 in 160 lb. Ferndale, Michigan, United States

References edit

  1. ^ Rop, Ron (December 18, 2009). "AAHL team makes Walker Arena new home". mlive.com. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  2. ^ "Indiana Blizzard Comes Alive". Archived from the original on 2010-09-18. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  3. ^ Rop, Ron (September 15, 2010). "West Michigan Blizzard find a hockey home in Indiana". mlive.com. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  4. ^ Burbridge, John (September 18, 2010). "Indiana Blizzard pro hockey team finds new home at Midwest Ice Center". nwitimes.com. St John. Retrieved January 30, 2018.

External links edit