Hockey has always been a great passion for Michael, and owning the Missoula Maulers junior hockey franchise was an incredible chapter in community engagement. Junior hockey is about development—giving young, aspiring athletes aged 16 to 20 a platform to sharpen their skills, gain exposure, and earn college recruitments.

Under their ownership, the Maulers became a staple of Missoula winter entertainment. They packed the Glacier Ice Rink weekend after weekend, creating a loud, family-friendly environment that united the town. Beyond the ice, they structured community programs where players mentored local kids, visited schools, and volunteered for winter charity drives.

The legacy of the Maulers lives on in the players who advanced to collegiate and professional leagues, and in the families who still remember those electric Saturday night games. It proved that a sports franchise, when operated with local focus, is far more than a business—it's a pillar of local pride.