Missoula Maulers

Not to be confused with Missoula Mauler.
Missoula Maulers
CityMissoula, Montana
LeagueNorthern Pacific Hockey League
American West Hockey League
Western States Hockey League
Founded2007
Home arenaGlacier Ice Rink
ColorsDark Blue, black, white, and gray
       
Owner(s)Michael Burks
General managerMarcus Baxter
Head coachMarcus Baxter
Franchise history
2007–2016Missoula Maulers

The Missoula Maulers were a junior ice hockey team from Missoula, Montana. The team played in the Northern Pacific Hockey League, the American West Hockey League, and the Western States Hockey League,[1] out of Missoula's Glacier Ice Rink.[2]

Michael Burks is the club's principal owner and president of operations. In 2016, Burks and the nonprofit Missoula Area Youth Association (MAYHA), the operator of Glacier Ice Rink, had a lease dispute and Burks decided to shut down the team rather than continue to fight the operators for a better contract.[3] The Maulers were quickly replaced at the Glacier Ice Rink by a North American 3 Hockey League expansion team, named the Missoula Jr. Bruins, owned by Jason and Liz DiMatteo.[4]

History

The Maulers were founded as an expansion team for the 2007–08 season in the Northern Pacific Hockey League (NorPac).[5] They played in the NorPac until 2011 when many of the eastern NorPac teams formed the new American West Hockey League (AWHL) including the Maulers.[6][7] After two seasons, the Maulers announced that were leaving the AWHL for the Amateur Athletic Union-sanctioned Western States Hockey League(WSHL).[1]

The players, ages 16–20, carried amateur status under Tier III/Tier II/Junior A guidelines with hopes to earn a spot on a collegiate or minor professional team.

Former leagues

Season-by-season records

Season GP W L OTL PTS GF GA PIM Finish Playoffs
2013–14 46 20 22 4 44 152 151 981 4th of 6, Northwest
16th of 24, WSHL		 Lost Div. Semifinals, 1-2 vs. Idaho Jr. Steelheads
2014–15 46 36 9 1 73 249 113 802 2nd of 7, Northwest
4th of 28, WSHL		 Div. Quarterfinals, Bye
Won Div. Semifinals, 2-1 vs. Southern Oregon Spartans
Lost Div. Finals, 1-2 vs. Idaho Jr. Steelheads
2015–16 52 38 12 2 78 257 143 715 2nd of 8, Northwest
7th of 29, WSHL		 Div. Quarterfinals, Bye
Won Div. Semifinals, 2-0 vs. Southern Oregon Spartans
Lost Div. Finals, 0-2 vs. Idaho Jr. Steelheads

References

  1. ^ a b "Maulers change to Western States Hockey League". kpax.com. April 12, 2013. Archived from the original on May 9, 2013. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
  2. ^ Goal oriented: Michigan native has unique dedication, rituals as Missoula Maulers' goalie
  3. ^ "Maulers owner explains decision to disband local hockey team". The Missoulian. May 14, 2016.
  4. ^ "New Missoula junior hockey team approved". The Montana Standard. May 21, 2016.
  5. ^ "Missoula Maulers Junior Hockey Team in Missoula, Montana". Archived from the original on 2010-05-01. Retrieved 2010-06-01.
  6. ^ "Maulers, 3 other teams leaving NorPac". Missoulian. June 2, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
  7. ^ Staff (June 14, 2011). "American West Hockey League Accepted As Newest Addition To USA Hockey Juniors". NBC Montana. Archived from the original on October 3, 2011. Retrieved June 22, 2011.