April 1, 2023, officially kicked off Local Hockey Partners and the Milwaukee Power’s Fiscal Year 6 and the 2023-24 season, as the Power is coming off its most successful season in franchise history in 2022-23.
Season 5 saw new beginnings, from new players and a new coaching staff to a new home at Kettle Moraine Ice Center in West Bend. And with new beginnings, there were also new records broken. The Power had the most wins in franchise history, 31 (31-13-2-1 in third place in the Central Division) and record attendance (9,387 total, averaging 408 per game, with the highest attendance 857).
Off the ice, our players contributed more than 600 hours in the community through volunteerism and service, we developed wonderful community partnerships, we had our largest group of billet families and we’ve built an amazing fan base here in West Bend. LHP and the Milwaukee Power donated more than $6,500 in monetary donations (Camp Hometown Heroes, the American Cancer Society, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight) and contributed to local causes (Gingerbread House, Family Promise, West Bend Full Shelf Food Pantry, West Bend/Slinger Police Departments, Ronald McDonald House, Washington County Humane Society) through collecting/delivering donations of items and needs specific to their specific cause.
Local Hockey Partners was also awarded the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce new business of the year award at the WBACC Annual Awards Dinner in November. The award was presented based on involvement with the West Bend Area Chamber and involvement in the community (volunteering, donations, sponsorships, programs, partnerships).
HOW IT STARTED
The Power players arrived in town in August for training camp, coming from all over the country to do what they love most here in West Bend. The team had 21 forwards, 15 defensemen, and 7 goalies through the roster this season before landing on our final roster in February. The Power’s first official home game Kettle Moraine Ice Center was a victory on September 23. The Power looked to come together as a team and find their stride as they were 13-12-0-1 in the first half of the season heading into the NA3HL showcase where they picked up three wins, bringing the record to 16-12-0-1 heading into the holiday break.
The second half of the season brought more consistent play leading to a 5-3 start in January before going on a 10-game winning streak to finish the regular season and a third-place finish in the Central Division, qualifying for the Fraser Cup playoffs.
The playoff run, although short-lived, was hard-fought. The Power lost game one of the first round at Kettle Moraine Ice Center to the Oregon Tradesmen, 2-1. The Power suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to the Tradesmen in a grueling second overtime and the season came to an abrupt end. When looking back at the team’s performance during the playoffs, Coach John Mitchell says, “I was very happy with how our boys competed and performed. The growth that we experienced throughout the season was exponential. The Oregon Tradesman were a great team that went to the semifinals in the Fraser Cup. We took them to a double OT elimination game. I think that speaks volumes. We are excited to get back there.”
On March 21 the team banquet was held as one last team event for the players and coaches to spend time together. Team Awards were presented to: Adam Prokop, Most Valuable Player Award and the Rookie of the Year; Patrick Toomey, Offensive Player of the Year; Max Mudge, Defensive Player of the Year; Bryce Garber, Iron Man; Colin March, Most Improved; Mike Dalaly, Community; Connor O’Neal, Leadership, and Liam Fraser receiving the Nails award.
Season 5 was a season to remember, from impressionable players to impressive moments. Our first season at the Kettle Moraine Ice Center was one that will go down in history as one of the best seasons in our organization’s history because of the immediate support from the community and fans, records broken, and incredible team.
Fiscal Year Season 6, the 2023-24 Season
Season 6 brings new opportunities to get involved with the Power. Kris Marion, Vice President of Business Operations, comments, “We had tremendous success here in year one in West Bend. None of what we accomplished would have been possible without all of the people that got involved from the minute we stepped foot in KMIC. It started with an amazing group of volunteers and billet families to a game day staff that is second to none. We look to continue our momentum of success on and off the ice next season and will look for ongoing support to achieve that.” We welcome anyone who wants to get involved in the organization, from sponsorships to volunteers. You can get involved by contacting kris@mkepower.com.
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW:
- Power custom jerseys and custom hoodies are available to order. You get t choose the name, number, and color with sizes ranging from toddler, youth, and adult sizes up to 5XL. These are available to order until April 14 at noon. You can purchase a custom jersey or hoodie here.
- Season tickets are on sale with early bird pricing only available until May 31. A family season pass, for those in the immediate family (up to 6 people) is $250, and an individual season pass is $125. You can purchase season tickets online here.
- Power partnerships and sponsorships are available for the 2023-24 season. Contact kris@mkepower.com for more information
WHAT’S NEXT:
- NA3HL league Draft is Wednesday, April 19 at 1:00pm. The Power has 7 draft selections in the four-round draft. The draft will be live on na3hldraft.com and Twitter @na3hl.
- April 29, visit the Power at the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce’s All Around the Bend showcase. Meet Surge the Power Pup and shoot the puck at the Power booth and enter to win a Power Season pass in the Chamber Raffle.
Be sure to watch the Power social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for all off-season updates.
By: Chloe Schmidt
