North Iowa Bulls Announce Move to NAHL
The North Iowa Bulls will be moving up one tier in the hockey world. The following are press releases from the North Iowa Bulls detailing the move to the NAHL and comments from General Manager and Head Coach Todd Sanden.
A Letter to the Community of Mason City
The entire North Iowa Bulls hockey organization is pleased to announce that, starting in the 2021-22 season, the team will compete as a member of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The approval for our entry into the league by the NAHL Board of Governors is exciting news for all Mason City residents, our hockey fans and the young players who represent our team every year.
Since 2011, the Bulls have been a record-setting member of, and perennial contender in the NA3HL, which is at the “Tier 3” level of junior hockey. Today’s news means that the Bulls will now bring our high level of competitiveness and loud and loyal fan base to the NAHL, the nation’s premier “Tier 2” junior hockey league.
With nearly 30 member teams geographically spread across the entire continent, the NAHL is a top destination for players from around the world who are 20 years old and under, and have the talent to play NCAA Division I college hockey. Every season, NAHL alumni also join the ranks of professional hockey, including the NHL.
Mason City will hold a more prominent place than ever on the hockey map with the Bulls’ move up the junior hockey ladder and the visibility of playing against larger cities in the NAHL. This is made possible in part by the city’s new downtown arena and the ongoing River City Renaissance project. The team’s move to the NAHL also marks a return to Mason City, after previously serving as home to the NAHL’s North Iowa Outlaws from 2005 to 2010.
We would like to thank, first of all, our fans. Without your support, enthusiasm and record-breaking attendance, this would not be possible. The Bulls are also grateful to Mason City officials and the Mason City Youth Hockey Association for making it possible for our team to call this special community and arena “home.”
The current NA3HL North Iowa Bulls will continue and complete their current season as normal. News about future plans for the NA3HL team will be shared in the coming months. Until then…Let’s Go Bulls!
Statement From the Head Coach/General Manager
It was my goal since my return to Mason City and the North Iowa hockey community in 2011 to bring a competitive, community-oriented, entertaining brand of hockey to this proud junior hockey town. Through the support of our ownership group at F&S Management, the NAHL Board of Governors, local city government, business leaders and Mason City Youth Hockey, it is an exciting transition back to the NAHL.
Our tremendous fan base and community presence have obviously had an overwhelming impact in the opportunity that presents itself. I want to thank all of our current and former players and their families who have worked so hard for us to help make our team the success that it has become.
Locally, our billets and their families who make the Mason City area an amazing place to be a junior hockey player are also owed a huge debt of gratitude! I am wishing the best for all involved in this transition and hope that the next 10 years of junior hockey in the area can be as amazing and well-supported as the last 10 years have been.
Thank you all!
Todd Sanden
Head Coach/General Manager, North Iowa Bulls
