Independent Semi-Pro Hockey (1973-1978)
Tombstone
Born: 1973
Folded: 1978 (? – as best I can tell)
First Game:
Last Game:
Arena
Marketing
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Ownership
Owner:
Background
The Anchorage Wolverines were an independent men’s senior semi-pro hockey that operated during the mid-1970’s.
The Wolverines were never part of any formal league. Instead, the team club paid to import semi-pro clubs from the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia to play Friday night/Saturday night back-to-back games at the old Anchorage Sports Arena on Fireweed Lane. Semi-pro clubs from Fairbanks and Whitehorse provided in-state competition as well.
The Wolverines also competed in the ice hockey competition of the biennial Arctic Winter Games.
Former NHL center Milan Marcetta, a minor league warhorse who skated a couple of seasons for the Minnesota North Stars during the late 60’s, coached the Wolverines for their first several campaigns.
We believed this team ceased operations after (or during) their 1977-78 schedule, but it would be great if any readers could confirm.
The Anchorage Sports Arena, which also saw concerts by the likes of Johnny Cash, Santana and Grand Funk Railroad, was decommissioned in the late 1970’s and converted to retail space.
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2 Responses
This is Frank Davis, and I played on the 1977-78 as well as earlier for a year or 2. I think 77-78 was it and was Milan’s last year as Coach.
I’m wondering with the new team if you are planning a reunion of the original Wolverines..
Any info you could provide would be great and I would love to see my old teammates. I saw where Coop and Jimmy were honorary at the home opener.
Thanks Frank
As I recall there was an abrupt end to the Wolverines. Again, I was young back then but as I recall, Milan Marcetta left the state and there was discussion of embezzlement. I don’t think anyone was prosecuted.
I had a great time watching those games. I remember the organist and playing under the bleachers.