Marquette Junior Hockey and Northern Michigan University have partnered to provide benefits for players and the sport itself.

As part of the agreement, NMU will designate one of its hockey games each season as Youth Hockey Night and provide 20 complimentary tickets for each home game that can be distributed throughout the youth hockey organization. Additionally, Marquette Junior Hockey will be advertised in the Wildcats’ home Berry Events Center, while discounts will be provided for its players to join the Young Wildcat Club. Fundraising opportunities are also being provided, such as being group game ushers, 50-50 raffle ticket sellers and chuck-a-puck sellers.

The agreement brings NMU hockey coaches and players into activities to enhance development of MJH players and coaches.

“Marquette Junior Hockey appreciates the opportunities and visibility this agreement will provide for our players,” Marquette Junior Hockey President Ryan Higbie said in a recent news release announcing this agreement. “We’d like to thank Coach (Grant) Potulny and (athletic director) Rick Comley for their enthusiasm for this partnership and look forward to a great season.”

NMU athletic director Rick Comley is excited about the partnership, saying: “We are excited to partner with Marquette Junior Hockey and are committed to helping grow the sport and develop young players locally. This is a win-win partnership and we look forward to building the game and making memories for athletes