The Fond du Lac Bears are one of Wisconsin's oldest and most successful amateur hockey organizations, with roots dating back nearly a century.
Organized hockey in Fond du Lac began in the late 1920s, and in 1934, Obie Hoffman established the Bears senior men's team. The Bears competed in the Wisconsin State Hockey League on outdoor rinks near Goodrich High School, while Fond du Lac quickly earned a reputation for producing outstanding youth hockey talent.
Over the following decades, the Bears became the foundation of hockey in Fond du Lac. Under the leadership of pioneers like Don Kohlman, Howie Farrey, Tom Nelson and countless volunteers, the organization helped grow youth hockey throughout the community while continuing to compete at a high level on the ice.
Building a Home for Hockey
One of the defining moments in Bears history came in the early 1970s when members of the Blue Line Club set out to bring artificial ice to Fond du Lac.
What began as an ambitious dream became a community-wide effort. Volunteers donated thousands of hours of labor, local businesses contributed materials and financial support, and families throughout the area rallied behind the project. In November 1973, artificial ice was installed, creating opportunities for year-round hockey and transforming the future of the sport in Fond du Lac.
That investment changed everything. Youth participation grew dramatically, championship teams followed, and the foundation was laid for what would eventually become today's Blue Line Family Ice Center.
A Tradition of Excellence
Throughout their history, the Bears have established themselves as one of the premier amateur hockey programs in Wisconsin.
The club has captured multiple Wisconsin state championships, represented the Great Lakes Hockey League at the national level, and in 2009 brought home the USA Hockey Senior A National Championship. The Bears have also produced and welcomed players who have gone on to successful collegiate and professional hockey careers.
Beyond championships, the Bears remain committed to growing the game by supporting youth hockey, mentoring the next generation of players, and serving as ambassadors for hockey throughout the Fond du Lac community.
Much of the historical information on this page is adapted from research by hockey historian Mike Cowan for Wisconsin Hockey History, including his original article, "The History of Hockey in Fond du Lac," first published in 1980 and later updated.