Rockers, Wyandotte Celebrate Team Relaunch at Yack Arena

WYANDOTTE, Mich. — Thursday night, the Motor City Rockers formally introduced themselves to the city of Wyandotte and the Downriver community as a whole. Several hundred people filled the Yack Arena in downtown Wyandotte to learn about their new team, purchase the newest Rockers merchandise and meet everyone involved with the relaunch of the Rockers.

The event featured several key speakers, including Wyandotte Mayor Rob DeSana, Wyandotte Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Jacob Bzura, FPHL Commissioner Don Kirnan and Rockers owner Ken Andrews.

The event began with Mayor DeSana expressing his optimism for what the Rockers and the city of Wyandotte can accomplish together.

“It’s a perfect marriage between the city of Wyandotte and the Rockers,” DeSana said. “As you all know, Downriver hockey is pretty big. The city of Trenton has a huge following — Wyandotte, Southgate, Woodhaven, Allen Park, everybody. I think this is a good opportunity for families because it’s going to be affordable to bring a family and enjoy some good hockey.”

Following DeSana, Bzura discussed how the Rockers will elevate the Yack Arena and its tenants.

“This partnership feels like a great chance to show the current growth and exciting future that the city and community have to look forward to,” Bzura said. “We are eager to see how this partnership will help bolster our downtown businesses and strengthen our youth hockey and figure skating programs. The Rockers will give our community a team to get behind and root for.”

After Bzura, Kirnan praised Andrews and the stability he has brought to FPHL hockey in Michigan.

“We wanted to add more teams in Michigan,” Kirnan said. “But we needed someone who had the vision and ability, which is what Ken Andrews has done. A wonderful job in Michigan. He’s going to grow hockey in Michigan, and he’s going to do a wonderful job.”

Andrews then took the podium, emotional about the team that got him into professional hockey returning to active status.

“We’ve seen your posts. We’ve gotten your emails,” Andrews said. “We’ve responded when we could in ways that we could. But behind the scenes, we’ve always told you that we were working our butts off for this team, for our fans, to bring the Rockers back. Guess what? The Rockers are back.”

Andrews went on to discuss how the team will mirror the city and region as a whole.

“Downriver has a story to tell, and I feel like the story that Downriver has mirrors the story of the Rockers,” Andrews said. “Downriver’s story has always been one of hardworking, resilient people. People who are willing to fight for what they believe in. When somebody says it can’t be done, Downriver stands up and shows you how to get it done. That’s the kind of people Downriver has, and guess what? The Rockers are the same way.”

The event concluded with a question-and-answer segment that included topics ranging from roster construction to how other tenants will be affected and who the new coach might be.

A replay of the press conference is available on the Motor City Rockers YouTube page.

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