Junior hockey’s leading lady


By
January 25, 2016

Suffice to say that as the primary owner of three junior teams, Michelle Bryant is a big hockey fan.

Not only does Bryant own two teams in her home state of Wisconsin, namely the Coulee Region Chill of the North American Hockey League and the nearby La Crosse Freeze of the North American 3 Hockey League, she and her husband Kevin added a third property this season when they purchased the Texas-based Euless Jr. Stars of the NA3HL.

With Michelle as managing partner, the Bryants took over ownership of the Chill in 2012 and the Freeze in 2014 before deciding to expand into Texas and add the Jr. Stars in 2015.

With a university degree in business administration and having held senior marketing positions with national firms such as Coca Cola and MGM, Michelle is also no stranger to the hockey side with a lengthy involvement in the youth game prior to getting involved in ownership.

And not only is Michelle a hockey owner but a hockey mom with four boys ages 10 to 16 who are involved in the game.

As an owner who oversees three junior hockey teams, Michelle’s passion for the game is rather apparent.

“Junior hockey is unique,” she told HockeyNewsNorth.com. “We’ve found out that ownership means something different to everyone.

“First and foremost our family is passionate about hockey, especially in the greater La Crosse, Wisconsin area. Our four boys love the game and enjoy our family business venture,” she noted.

Being a junior hockey owner began for the Bryants back in 2012 when the Coulee Region NAHL team was for sale and the possibility existed that it might relocate.

“We wanted to see the Chill succeed and remain viable for years to come in our community,” said Michelle. “The NAHL platform is a springboard for growing local hockey awareness and opportunities.

“And by expanding into additional junior hockey areas where we can continue to help develop aspiring college hockey players, we feel like we are positively impacting the junior hockey landscape both where we live and in the Dallas area,” she continued. “It’s our goal to keep improving our programs to best support aspiring student athletes.”

To be sure, Michelle has earned the respect of other junior hockey owners, including the reputable Ron Lavin, who is financially involved with the New Jersey Titans of the NAHL.

Lavin, who is also part of the ownership of the Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, said Michelle’s knowledge of the game and ability to properly manage a franchise “is quite evident.

“I have gotten to know her and talk to her and she is well respected among the other owners,” Lavin said evenly. “She runs a good operation.”

PHOTO: Along with her husband, Michelle Bryant owns three junior hockey teams in two leagues.


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