For Brandon Kane, hockey has never been just a game.

It has been a lifelong connection to teammates, coaches, community and the lessons that come from competing alongside others. Now, the New Glarus native is taking the next step in that journey after being named the first head coach of the Milwaukee Timberwolves, an expansion franchise set to begin play this fall in the Great Lakes Hockey League.

For Kane, the opportunity is both exciting and familiar.

"It's honestly my first head coaching opportunity," Kane said. "I've always been a leader on teams and provided that style, but this is an exciting opportunity to have with this team."

The Milwaukee Timberwolves were recently approved as the league's newest franchise and will play their home games at The Ponds of Brookfield in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The team will compete in the Great Lakes Hockey League, one of the Midwest's premier senior amateur hockey leagues featuring teams from Wisconsin and Michigan.