# Detroit Hitmen

The Detroit Hitmen was a professional ice hockey team based in Fraser, Michigan. The team was a member of the All American Hockey League and began its inaugural season in October 2009 as the West Michigan Blizzard. The Blizzard played their home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center Arena.

## History

The West Michigan Blizzard started their inaugural season in October 2009 as the Detroit Hitmen, located in Fraser, Michigan. Due to the financial issues, the team was relocated to Norton Shores, Michigan on December 17, 2009. Matt Wiedenhoeft was the founding partner of the Hitmen, who orchestrated the relocation to the Muskegon, Michigan's L.C. Walker Arena. Their name was changed to the West Michigan Blizzard.
In September 2010, the team announced their relocation to Dyer, Indiana due to the inability for a new ice arena to get built in Norton Shores. After the relocation, the team changed their name to the Indiana Blizzard. Their new arena was at the Midwest Ice Center. Despite their new home, the team ceased operations in 2011.

## Season-by-season record

| Season | GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | PTS | GF | GA | Season Standing | Playoff Result |
| 2009–10 | 14 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 45 | 83 | N/A | Team moved to West Michigan to become West Michigan Blizzard after 5 games. Franchise folded 12 games later. |
Glossary: GP= Games played, W= Wins, L= Losses, OTL= Over Time Losses, SL= Shootout Losses, PTS= Points, PCT= Winning Percentage, GF= Goals For, GA= Goals Against, PIM= Penalty Minutes

## Roster

Forwards :
| # | Player | Pos. | Shoots | Height | Weight | Place of Birth |
| 4 | Ryan Webb | F | R | 5 ft 10 in | 180 lb. | Roseville, Michigan, United States |
| 5 | Zachary Kane | F | R | | | Jamestown, New York, United States |
| 7 | Greg Eggelston | F | R | 5 ft 8 in | 200 lb. | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
| 8 | Jose Vasquez | F | R | 6 ft 3 in | 205 lb. | Shelby Township, Michigan, United States |
| 98 | Roger Recsh | F | R | 7 ft 1 in | 220 lb. | Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States |
| 11 | Andrew Sanders | F | L | 6 ft 1 in | 200 lb. | Salem, Oregon, United States |
| 12 | Charles Harvey | F | R | 6 ft 0 in | 175 lb. | Columbus, Ohio, United States |
| 17 | Peter Pritchett | F | R | 6 ft 3 in | 225 lb. | Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States |
| 20 | Scott O'Connor | F | R | 5 ft 9 in | 180 lb. | Marysville, Michigan, United States |
| 25 | Bill Vitale | F | R | 5 ft 10 in | 175 lb. | Laurel Springs, New Jersey, United States |
Defensemen :
| # | Player | Pos. | Shoots | Height | Weight | Place of Birth |
| 2 | B.J. Belliotti | D | L | 5 ft 9 in | 180 lb. | Waterford, Michigan, United States |
| 18 | Emory Lovse | D | R | 5 ft 9 in | 165 lb. | Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States |
| 19 | Bradley Bohlinger | D | R | 5 ft 11 in | 190 lb. | St. Clair Shores, Michigan, United States |
| 22 | Ryan Sexsmith | D | R | 5 ft 11 in | 210 lb. | Dearborn, Michigan, United States |
| 23 | Matt Mosley | D | R | 5 ft 10 in | 190 lb. | Trenton, Michigan, United States |
| 24 | Brett Aimone | D | R | 6 ft 0 in | 200 lb. | Toms River, New Jersey, United States |
| 51 | Dan Olesky | D | R | 5 ft 11 in | 230 lb. | Chesterfield, Michigan, United States |
Goaltenders :
| # | Player | Pos. | Catches | Height | Weight | Place of Birth |
| 1 | Matt Kinsella | G | R | | | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| 74 | Nortan Ali | G | L | 5 ft 6 in | 160 lb. | Ferndale, Michigan, United States |