MARQUETTE — Marquette Junior Hockey and Northern Michigan University have announced a partnership agreement that will, among other things, provide the area youth hockey program with benefits for players and the sport itself.

In addition to NMU designating one of its hockey games each season as Youth Hockey Night, the university will provide 20 complimentary tickets for each home game that can be distributed throughout the youth hockey organization.

And 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.

“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.”

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

“We are excited to partner with Marquette Junior Hockey and are committed to helping grow the sport and develop young players locally,” said Comley, a former NMU head hockey coach himself. “This is a win-win partnership and we look forward to building the game and making memories for athletes and their families.”

For more information about Marquette Junior Hockey, visit www.marquettejuniorhockey.com, and to learn more about Northern Michigan University athletics, visit www.nmuwildcats.com.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.