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The Eagle River Recreation Association (ERRA) would like to provide clarity regarding the recent announcement by Copper Island Hockey Club LLC, dba Wisconsin Windigo, about the sale and relocation of their franchise to Brookfield, Wisconsin. ⁣

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First and foremost, ERRA is proud of its relationship with Wisconsin Windigo and is proud that Wisconsin Windigo called the Dome home for 3 years. We congratulate Wisconsin Windigo on what appears to be a promising move and wish them luck in their new environment.⁣

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We need to make it clear to the community that ERRA had no desire to end the relationship with the Wisconsin Windigo. On April 30, 2025, in accordance with Article 2.1 “Term” in the original 3 year lease agreement, ERRA sent both a procedural Notice of Termination to bring an end to an outdated and confusing contract and provided Wisconsin Windigo with a new Facility Use Agreement that provided clear contractual terms covering the next 3 years. Our email to Wisconsin Windigo’s Managing Partner, David Rowe, was very clear in terms of wanting the relationship to continue: ⁣

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“Please know that this is strictly procedural and does not reflect the Board’s intent to terminate our ongoing relationship at all. We appreciate your partnership!”⁣

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The ERRA received no response to the Agreement until May 21, when David Rowe notified us via email that the Wisconsin Windigo will not be signing a new agreement and would vacate the premises at the end of the current term. ⁣

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ERRA’s Board is a group of volunteers who have invested time and respect into this program, worked persistently over the last three years to support the Windigo and help the team succeed in Eagle River, even through difficult conversations. We led with a sincere desire to collaborate. ⁣

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The ERRA would like to thank the incredible fans, billet families, volunteers, and community members who supported the Wisconsin WIndigo in Eagle River these past 3 years. To the staff, coaches, and players who laced up as a Windigo, we’re proud of you and we’re proud to have been a part of your path. We wish you nothing but success and the very best moving forward. The 32 NCAA Division I commitments, two regular season division titles, and one playoff championship couldn’t have happened without all of you.⁣

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As we look ahead, the ERRA is open to exploring new partnerships to continue bringing junior hockey or other teams to the Northwoods. Partnerships who prioritize communication, transparency, and a genuine investment into this community. ⁣