MILWAUKEE WAVE DEFENDER JOE HAMMES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

To be honored during halftime of Sunday, February 16th, 2pm game vs. Pennsylvania Roar at U.S. Cellular Arena.

After ten years and three MISL championships, Milwaukee Wave Defender and Cedarburg native, Joe Hammes, has officially announced his retirement.

“Joe will be missed on the playing side and the leadership side,” said Head Coach Keith Tozer. “Over his ten-year career he has been instrumental in winning championships. He will be greatly missed on and off the field. We wish him nothing but the best.”

Hammes’ career highlights include three MISL championships during his ten-year career with The Wave. In the 2012-2013 season, he scored a career high 31 points with 9 goals, 10 assists and was named the MISL Defensive Player of the Month in November after scoring 12 points in four games. He also notched a season high seven points in the MISL playoffs. Hammes also was a two-time MISL Defensive Player of the Week in the 2006-2007 season.

“I would like to thank the Wave organization for giving me the opportunity to play for the last 10 years. I also want to thank all of the fans who continue to give so much support to the team, as it truly is an honor to play in front of the best fans in the league,” said Joe Hammes. “I especially want to thank Coach Tozer, the assistant coaches, and all of my teammates throughout the 10 years, all of whom I consider close friends. I am very proud of all our accomplishments, highlighted by winning three MISL Championships. I am going to miss going into battle with my teammates each and every game, but I know that I am leaving the team in very good hands, as Coach has again assembled a team that is capable of bringing home another Championship to Milwaukee.  I wish Coach and the team all the best in the future.”

Joe Hammes finishes an amazing Milwaukee Wave career with 70 goals, 52 assists, and three MISL championships.

The Milwaukee Wave opens up the Regular Season on the road against the Missouri Comets on Saturday, November 16th at 7:35pm. The Home Opener at U.S. Cellular Arena on Saturday, December 7th at 6:00pm, features, “A Salute to Our Armed Forces”, a post-game concert by Grammy Nominated Rock Band, “Daughtry” and brings defending MISL Champions Baltimore Blast to town. Season, Single-Game and Group Tickets are available by calling 414.224.WAVE (9283) or visit www.MilwaukeeWave.com