Mike Brudenell

Detroit Free Press

Detroit's new minor league hockey team will be called the St. Clair Shores Fighting Saints and will play its first game at the city's Civic Arena on Stephens Road in early November.

The team's name, logo and colors were released at a news conference this afternoon.

The Fighting Saints become the latest member of the Federal Hockey League, which has teams in the Northeast and Midwest, including the Port Huron Prowlers, who captured the Commissioner's Cup championship in April.

The Fighting Saints will be "navy, kelly green and Vegas gold," with the image of a menacing Spartan warrior holding a hockey stick at the top of the logo.

"We wanted to reflect the rich heritage and history of youth hockey in St. Clair Shores by using Saints in the name," newly appointed general manager and associate head coach Brandon Contratto told the Free Press today. "They have a red-and-white color scheme; we went with something new but still keeping identity with the youth program here."

Former Michigan hockey standout Dave Debol, a St. Clair Shores native, has been named head coach and director of hockey operations of the Fighting Saints. The franchise will be run by Global Hockey Management and headed by Ontario businessman and former Czech player Michael Kolarik.

"We are here to stay, but we need to build a fan base," said Contratto, 25, who played hockey at Michigan-Dearborn and then in the Czech Republic. "I think we'll be good, but there are plenty of challenges ahead of us."

Contratto said the 2016-2017 FHL schedule will be complete in a couple of weeks. But he's already hearing from players who want to join the Fighting Saints.

"I've had agents and players call me," said Contratto, who lives in West Bloomfield and coached as far away as New Zealand. "A lot of local metro players from high school and interest from players in the Czech Republic, Hungary and France. I've got some prospects in mind in New Zealand and Australia, too."

Contratto said he already has arranged two free agent tryout camps: one at Civic Arena on July 29-31 and the other "likely in San Diego the first weekend of August."

"There are great junior hockey programs here in St. Clair Shores and around the state, and in southern California," Contratto said. "Great talent for us."

The St. Clair Shores City Council unanimously approved plans for the team April 18. Four new locker rooms and a general upgrade in seating and amenities at Civic Arena are in the works.

Contratto expects the Fighting Saints to carry 20 to 21 players on the roster.

"Very excited right now," Contratto told the Free Press. "We are prepared, as much as possible, for what's ahead."

For organizational information on the Fighting Saints, email info@scsfightingsaints.com. Team details can be found at scsfightingsaints.com. Contratto can be reached at bcontratto@scsfightingsaints.com.