The Midwest Hockey League (MWHL), a "A" level professional hockey league, will begin its inaugural season in November 2008 with a 40-game schedule. The Midwest Hockey League is designed to be a "stepping stone" to the next level of minor league hockey, and anticipates having affiliations with "AA" hockey teams and leagues.

The MWHL is a regional minor league, which allows teams to keep costs down for owners and their fans. The league's objective is to allow smaller markets with adequate ice arena sizes and good locations to obtain and operate "A" level professional hockey teams, and to give their respective cities pro franchises to be proud of.

The league has already announced their first team, The Evansville IceMen out of Evansville Indiana. In the coming weeks, the league will announce its several additional teams. As the months move on, the league will begin running promotional materials in each city where teams are located.

"We feel this will allow each of our teams the best chance of success, not only for the 2008-2009 season but for many years to come," the MWHL office commented. "We considered launching in the 2007-2008 season but we felt that the teams would not have had adequate time to prepare. That would not have been conducive to their success."

The President/Commissioner of the MWHL will be Wade Stuckey. Wade has over twenty years of experience with minor league hockey. He has represented the IHL, CoHL, ECHL, CHL, WPHL, and the NEHL. He has worked over 1200 professional hockey games as an on-ice official. In addition Stuckey has worked four ACHA National Championship Tournaments, four seasons of Women’s NCAA and various Junior Hockey Leagues.

“I’m thrilled about the MWHL and I’m excited about getting this league off the ground” says President Stuckey. “It is going to be a competitive and very fan friendly league.”

Stuckey will oversee all operations of the league and network with investors and franchises.

Matt Crawford will serve as league Vice President. Matt was the President of the 2006-07 NEHL franchise, Findlay Freedom. He was named 2006-07 Executive of the year in the NEHL. Matt will oversee the day to day operation of the league and assist Wade with his daily duties. “We are very excited about the MWHL and look forward to a successful inaugural season.” stated Vice President Crawford.

The MWHL also welcomed Mike DeLong as the Director of Hockey Operations. Mike has experience with management of minor league sport teams including the Findlay Freedom of the NEHL and was the General Manager of the Fort Wayne Flash of the NWFA in 2005.

Mike DeLong responds “We have assembled a good league staff and owners with the knowledge and funds to make the MWHL strong.” Mike will over see the day to day operations of league and assist day to day operations with the franchises.

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