In Photos: Jackson's New Semi-Pro Hockey Team Has Chelsea Connection

By Alan Ashley

The Jackson Generals have begun their inaugural season in the Michigan Independence Hockey League. They play their games at Optimist Ice Arena in Jackson. Why did I write and take photos of a non-Chelsea event? Because there is a Chelsea connection with the team.

The Michigan Independence Hockey League is a 12-team semi-pro league, with most teams based in Michigan. Most of the players have played junior, high school, college, and/or minor league hockey, and quite a few are Michigan-born and raised.

One of the Generals’ first players signed was goaltender Derek Schaedig, a Chelsea native. You may remember him from his high school career with the Chelsea hockey team, but he also played junior hockey and later played at Harvard University. He even played a year of minor league hockey with the Wheeling Nailers of the East Coast Hockey League. While he worked on his degree at Harvard, Derek became an author and wrote a book. “Junior Ice Hockey, The Leagues Before The Leagues” was about life in junior hockey and about dealing with his own mental health. Besides working in the mental health field, Derek has also been a goaltending coach for many local youths.

Also from Chelsea is Ronnie Hein, who plays forward. Ronnie played on the Ohio State University hockey team. So far this season, he has not seen any ice time, but the season has just started.

During the first intermission of the game I attended, the Chelsea Chiefs made an appearance. Derek even took a turn in the crease against one of the Chiefs on a shootout.

So if you are a hockey fan looking for a cheaper alternative to the Red Wings, there is a new hockey team in the area with a Chelsea flavor, and tickets are $10 per person. You can follow the Jackson Generals on both Facebook and Instagram. You never know if there will be another Chelsea native on the Generals roster in the future. Learn more at jacksongeneralshockey.com

Thanks to Derek Schaedig, Jackson Generals goaltender and Chelsea native, for the information in this story.