KALKASKA — The Kalkaska Kings semi-pro hockey team is now in local hands.
The first-year team, which played under Michigan Independence Hockey League control last season, has been purchased by local businessman Ed Thirlby.
The reigning 2026-27 regular-season champion Kings will have Tyler Thirlby as general manager and business operations manager.
“It’s nice to have a team for the guys,” Tyler Thirlby said. “A lot of the guys are returning. There’s going to be a lot of cool stuff going on at the Kaliseum.”
Thirlby said around 80% of the team committed to returning this season, and they have about a half dozen new players lined up as well. He also said he’s emphasizing to players that they must commit to playing regularly in road games, as the Kings were routed in the Bill Long Memorial Cup championship series when a lot of players couldn’t play against the Michigan Shadow in Fraser.
“We’re going to donate a lot of money this year,” Tyler Thirlby said. “My dad and I aren’t in this for the money. We’re just trying to do it the right way.”
Thirlby said he already has plays for four alternate jersey nights next season, with the team playing its games at the Kaliseum. The Thirlbys already paid for next year’s ice time and bought custom gloves and warm-ups.
Cam Fisher returns as the team’s coach and director of hockey operations for the 2026-27 season, with Tyler Thirlby as an assistant coach. The MIHL has expanded to 12 teams, with the Shadow going dormant for a year, even after winning last season’s title.
“The addition of Ed Thirlby as owner strengthens not only the Kings organization but our entire league,” MIHL president Scott Brand said. “Ed is an accomplished businessman who is passionate about hockey and deeply committed to Northern Michigan. We are excited to welcome him to our Board of Governors and look forward to working with him for many years to come.”
Ed Thirlby sold his Thirlby Automotive chain of 10 auto parts stores throughout northern Michigan to Auto Wares Group in 2022.