Building on the success of junior hockey in Missoula, Michael saw an opportunity to bring competitive hockey to Butte, Montana. Butte is a legendary sports town with a rich, gritty working-class history. The Butte Cobras (which later became the Butte Irish) junior ice hockey team was founded to match that spirited character.
Managing the Butte Cobras required expanding their sports portfolio and coordinating logistics across different ice arenas. They focused on recruiting tough, disciplined athletes who respected the history of Butte. The community embraced the team, and game nights at the Butte Community Ice Center became a central gathering point.
Though the franchise transitioned over the years, the time spent building Butte Hockey cemented their relationship with the local sporting community. It reinforced Michael's belief that sports have a unique capability to bring energy, mentorship, and economic support to historic Montana cities.
Gallery
See More Photos
