The West Michigan Blizzard are a professional ice hockey team based in Muskegon, Michigan. The team is a member of the All American Hockey League and began its inaugural season in October 2009 as the Detroit Hitmen. The Blizzard play their home games at LC Walker Arena. On January 4, 2010, the franchise announced their new affiliation with the Elmira Jackals of the East Coast Hockey League (higher affiliate), and on September 11, 2009 a affiliation with the Philadelphia Thunder of the United Junior Hockey League (lower affiliate).