Blue Water Stars Anchored in Macomb, Making Waves in MIHL

Eastern Michigan has a rich hockey history that spans decades.  It will always be known for the Detroit Red Wings, but there have been dozens of other teams representing the blue collar people that call it home.  Some have come and gone, and others continue to carry on.  Over the years fans have watched teams like the Prowlers, Falcons, Border Cats, Flags, Snipers, Vipers, Cougars, and Mechanics on the thumb side of Michigan’s mitten.  The Blue Water Stars have played about an hour north of Detroit in Macomb Township for the past two seasons.  They are some of the newer members to the Michigan Independence Hockey League.

The Stars currently consist of a tight knit leadership team that values community and character.  Austin Dunn is president of the organization and sees time on the ice as a player.  Melissa Dauphinais is the vice president.  Derrick Eshelman serves as the general manager and Brian Bjornholm is the head coach.  Together, they are excited about who they are and where they play. 

“My goal is for the team is to have a consistent, dedicated core.  We built the roster not only on talent, but on character and attitude.  We want guys that are going to stick around for the long haul.  A team that has a nucleus of good people can beat a group that does not buy in.  We expect to make a splash at the end of the season.  We want to draw people into our games from the city.  We want to be a destination for both players and fans.  We love playing in Macomb,” Dunn said.

“I live in Macomb.  They are building new subdivisions and growth is happening in the community.  There is good hockey in this area.  We love having the opportunity to open things up to people.  It is an excellent location and community.  We are going to thrive here,” Bjornholm said.

Grit is just as important in the locker room as it is on the ice.  The Stars want to be associated with hard work, humility, and hustle.

“We need professionals.  Guys like Tim Schmitt are making a difference for us.  Veteran players help make our culture.  We are excited to be at the rink.  We are seeing buy in,”  Eshelman said.

“From the first time I stepped in, Zach Huggins was the guy.  He has leadership abilities.  We decided  Zach would lead our team.  He plays tough on defense and can take criticism.  We can lean on him because he will lead both on and off the ice,” Bjornholm added. 

The team has already made some history in the MIHL, proving that their players are both unique and hard working for all the right reasons.  Recently the Blue Water Stars had Matt Stoia, a Port Huron native, called up to the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the Federal Prospects Hockey League.  George Holt made a similar move on Friday joining the Motor City Rockers.  There is talent in Macomb.

“Taylor Schwandt is the first female to play in the MIHL.  She is a good goalie and a particularly good teammate.  She wants to be known for her skills on the ice and not really anything else.  That is how it should be.  She wants to be a hockey player first.

The sky is the limit for this team.  We benefit from having a good core.  Our people show up every day and set a stellar example,” Dauphinais said.

Playing good hockey and providing great entertainment are both goals for the organization.  Gaining respect in the league is also a focus for the Blue Water Stars’ future.

“There were some teams that looked down on us in the standings earlier this season.  We have seen improvement.  We are going to be competitive.  I want people to know that we are coming.  We are getting better every day,” Eshelman said.

*Article written by Jesse Height