New Minnesota Hockey Team Pays Homage to Bigfoot Legend

Hockey hair may take on a different dynamic with a new junior team that will begin play in Minnesota next winter in the United States Premier Hockey League. The Minnesota Squatch will be based in Elk River and play in the same division as the Steele County Blades who call Owatonna home.

Chic Pojar, co-owner of the team with Sara Pojar, says, "Hockey is my passion. When we learned the USPHL was interested in expansion, we jumped at the opportunity." Read the full news release from the league here.

League Commissioner Bob Turow said, "The USPHL is very excited to work with Chic and Sara Pojar and we know they will be valuable additions to what is already an outstanding Midwest West Division."

Regarding the nickname Squatch, Chic Pojar states, "We wanted to do something fun. There have been Sasquatch sightings in Minnesota in recent years and now in Elk River! It works well with all the game-day festivities, promotions, and giveaways we plan on doing. Plus, our mascot 'Squatch' will be a fan favorite!"

Team nicknames/mascots for the 2021-22 season in the division were Blades, Mullets, Havoc, Blue Ox, Moose, Ducks, and River Kings.

The Squatch will play at the Community and Event Center in Elk River. "The facility is brand-new and state-of-the-art. It is one of the top junior hockey facilities in the country," said Chic Pojar. "It is listed as 1,600 seating capacity, has seating around the rink, a center-ice scoreboard and first-in-class locker rooms. It includes a full restaurant and bar overlooking the playing surface."