Local NHL Prospect Quinn Finley Returns to M&M Thunder for Community Hockey Event

M&M Thunder Youth Hockey is excited to welcome hometown hockey standout Quinn Finley back to the Marinette Recreation Center – 2501 Pierce Ave. Marinette, WI 54143 on Sunday, August 2, as part of the association's annual Try Hockey for Free event.

Finley, a former M&M Thunder player and one of the area's most accomplished hockey athletes, will spend the afternoon inspiring the next generation of players by sharing his journey from learning to skate as a young child to signing with the New York Islanders in 2026. 

Quinn's hockey career began in Learn to Skate in Arizona before his family moved to the area, where he continued his development with Marinette & Menominee Thunder from Introduction to Hockey through the Squirt level. He later advanced through the Jr. Gamblers AAA program, became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 USHL Draft by the Madison Capitols, won a Clark Cup Championship with the Chicago Steel, earned gold medals with Team USA at both the U18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U20 World Junior Championship, starred at the University of Wisconsin, was named the Badgers' Team MVP, helped lead Wisconsin to the Frozen Four, and ultimately signed with the New York Islanders.

Despite his impressive accomplishments, Finley remains grateful for where his hockey journey began.

"The M&M Thunder provided my initial introduction to the sport, sparking a lifelong passion for hockey that I will always appreciate."

His message to young athletes is simple but powerful:

"I was taught at a very young age to focus on two things no matter what sport I was playing. One, work every day to get 1% better. If you do that you will continue to get better every week, every month, and every year. Second, always be the hardest working player on and off the ice, the field, or the court."

The community is invited to meet Quinn during a free Meet & Greet from 1:30–2:00 p.m., where fans can enjoy autographs and photos before the annual Try Hockey for Free session begins at 2:30 p.m.

The Try Hockey for Free event is designed for children ages 4–9 who are interested in experiencing hockey for the first time. Participants will have the opportunity to get on the ice with M&M Thunder coaches and volunteers in a fun, welcoming environment. Equipment will be available for those who need it, making it easy for families to give hockey a try.

Event Schedule

• 12:00–1:30 p.m. – M&M Thunder player event with Quinn Finley

• 1:30–2:00 p.m. – Community Meet & Greet (Autographs & Photos)

• 2:30–4:30 p.m. – Try Hockey for Free

M&M Thunder Youth Hockey is proud to welcome Quinn home and celebrate the impact youth hockey can have on a child's future. His return serves as a reminder that every hockey journey begins with a first step on the ice—and that today's beginner could become tomorrow's champion.

For more information about the event or to register for Try Hockey for Free, visit the M&M Thunder Youth Hockey social media pages or the official Try Hockey for Free registration website.