2022 Inductee
Wally Akervik was born in Duluth, Minn., and was a four-sport athlete at Duluth Central High School, helping his Trojan team reach the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament.
2022 Inductee
Ann Ninnemann was born in St. Paul, Minn., and began playing ringette at the age of four. By her own admission, she played ringette through the sixth game and then hesitantly transitioned to ice hockey in the seventh grade.
2022 Inductee
Pat “Duffy” Dyer was born in Virginia, Minn., and played youth hockey in that Iron Range community. After high school, he graduated from UW-Superior with a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology and would go on to a long career at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth.
2022 Inductee
Rebecca Hamilton-Hildebrandt (or “Coach Becky” as she is better known locally) was born and raised in Sauk Prairie and began playing hockey in 1982, the first year that Sauk Prairie had a hockey association.
Welling was born in Madison and passed away January 22, 2004. He played his youth hockey in Madison, and than as a prep player for Madison East. Following high school, he began an officiating career that would last more than 30 years. He began officiating both youth and high school hockey in 1970, and helped to found the Dane County Hockey Officials Association. Welling advanced quickly and was soon working the WIAA High School Tournament. He officiated the WIAA State Finals in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1982 and 1983.
In the late 70’s, Welling began officiating in the WCHA and continued in the league for the next 16 years. While officiating in the WCHA, received an Appreciation Award and an Outstanding Assistance Award. Welling hung up his skates after 30 years, but continued to stay involved and to help younger referees. He actually came out of retirement to officiate the Monday night adult games at Hartmeyer Arena.
In December 2003, Welling was given the Madison Area High School Coaches Award, and the Dane County Hockey Officials Association Dedicated Service Award. Welling was noted for his tremendous work ethic, and for putting the same amount of effort into the game, whether it was a high school junior varsity game, or a college championship. He evidenced a passion, an understanding and a feeling for the game that comes from more than just reading a rule book.
Welling has three children, Michael, Patricia and Richard.
Welling was born in Madison and passed away January 22, 2004. He played his youth hockey in Madison, and than as a prep player for Madison East. Following high school, he began an officiating career that would last more than 30 years. He began officiating both youth and high school hockey in 1970, and helped to found the Dane County Hockey Officials Association. Welling advanced quickly and was soon working the WIAA High School Tournament. He officiated the WIAA State Finals in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1982 and 1983.
© Copyright 2013 - Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame