Mike "Blue" Hanse
Mike "Blue" Hanse is an American paintball entrepreneur, field operator, event promoter and former paintball equipment industry executive. He is best known for his association with EMR Paintball Park in northeastern Pennsylvania, his involvement with Montneel Designs, and his contributions to large-scale recreational and scenario paintball.[1][2]
Hanse became involved in paintball during the sport's early years. His family operated an early playing field known as Hanse Hollow, and he later became associated with Wolf's Lair, a Pennsylvania paintball facility that developed into a destination for recreational players.[3]
During the 1990s, Hanse became a part-owner of Montneel Designs, a manufacturer of paintball markers including the Montneel Z-1. He was responsible for marketing and promotional activities and represented the company at major tournaments, trade shows and recreational paintball events.[2]
In the late 1990s, Hanse took ownership of the former Wolf's Lair property and reopened it as EMR Paintball Park, named after the Endless Mountain Rogues. Under his direction, the park became associated with elaborate playing fields, overnight accommodation and major scenario events including Castle Conquest.[1]
Hanse was inducted into the inaugural class of the Paintball Hall of Fame in 2017.[4]
| Full name | Mike Hanse |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Blue |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Paintball field operator, entrepreneur, equipment promoter and event organiser |
| Known for | EMR Paintball Park, Montneel Designs, Castle Conquest |
| Early paintball involvement | Early 1980s |
| Early field | Hanse Hollow |
| Former business associations | Wolf's Lair; Montneel Designs |
| Principal field association | EMR Paintball Park |
| Location | New Milford area, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Associated team | Blue's Crew |
| Major event | Castle Conquest |
| Paintball Hall of Fame | 2017 |
Early involvement in paintball
[edit]Hanse Hollow
[edit]Hanse's involvement in paintball dates to the sport's early commercial development.
His son, Chris "Deuce" Hanse, described growing up around a family paintball operation called Hanse Hollow in a first-person article published by Social Paintball in December 2011.[3]
According to Chris Hanse, he helped his father build the field during the early 1980s.
The playing area covered approximately 1.5 acres.
Chris recalled assisting with field construction and preparing bags of paintballs for customers.
Family involvement
[edit]Paintball became a family activity for the Hanses.
Chris Hanse described learning about the sport through his father's business and eventually participating in games himself.
He later became involved in paintball field operations, media and marketing.
The family's early involvement illustrates how recreational paintball businesses developed during the 1980s, when many fields were operated by enthusiasts rather than established sporting organisations.
Early business history
[edit]The exact opening and closing dates of Hanse Hollow have not yet been established.
Further research is needed to determine its location, commercial structure and relationship to Hanse's later operations.
Wolf's Lair
[edit]Development
[edit]Hanse subsequently became associated with Wolf's Lair, a paintball facility in northeastern Pennsylvania.
The property became known for its extensive playing infrastructure.
Unlike many early recreational paintball fields, which consisted primarily of wooded terrain and simple boundaries, Wolf's Lair incorporated purpose-built structures.
Playing facilities
[edit]A retrospective published by WARPIG in December 2006 described the property as having features including:
- Wooden catwalks
- Fortified playing positions
- Multi-level structures
- Bunkhouses for visiting players
- Extensive wooded playing areas
These facilities helped establish the property as a destination for paintball players travelling from outside the immediate region.[1]
Montneel connection
[edit]Wolf's Lair also had a connection to Montneel Designs.
A historical account published by VintageRex states that Montneel rented space from Hanse's Wolf's Lair operation during its earlier years.[2]
This business relationship preceded Hanse's involvement in Montneel ownership.
Montneel Designs
[edit]Background
[edit]Montneel Designs was an American paintball marker manufacturer associated with the development of the Montneel Z-1 and other early semi-automatic paintball equipment.
The company was involved in the increasingly competitive marker market of the early 1990s.
Ownership
[edit]According to VintageRex's history of Montneel Designs, Hanse acquired an ownership interest after Walt, one of the company's existing owners, sold his shares.[2]
The precise date and financial terms of the transaction have not been independently established.
Management role
[edit]Hanse brought business and promotional experience to Montneel.
The historical account credits him with reorganising aspects of the company and taking responsibility for marketing and promotions.
His role was principally commercial rather than technical.
The account does not identify him as a designer of the Z-1 or other Montneel markers.
National promotion
[edit]Hanse promoted Montneel equipment extensively during the 1990s.
VintageRex describes him attending major tournaments, big games and special events between approximately 1993 and 1996.
His activities included demonstrating equipment, meeting customers and developing relationships within the paintball community.
Industry visibility
[edit]Hanse became one of Montneel's most visible representatives.
His attendance at major events helped introduce the company's products to players outside its immediate regional market.
Historical significance
[edit]Hanse's work with Montneel demonstrates the importance of personal promotion in the early paintball equipment industry.
During the 1990s, manufacturers relied heavily on tournament trade shows, field demonstrations and direct contact with players.
EMR Paintball Park
[edit]Establishment
[edit]In the late 1990s, Hanse took ownership of the former Wolf's Lair property and reopened it as EMR Paintball Park.[1]
EMR stood for Endless Mountain Rogues.
The property was located near New Milford in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Business philosophy
[edit]WARPIG's 2006 retrospective described Hanse's emphasis on making paintball enjoyable and welcoming.
The park adopted the motto:
ANT — Attitudes Not Tolerated.
The phrase expressed the park's approach to player conduct and recreational participation.
Destination paintball
[edit]EMR developed as a destination for players travelling to large events.
The park offered facilities that allowed visitors to remain on the property for an entire weekend.
These included bunkhouses, camping areas and recreational facilities.
Playing fields
[edit]EMR became known for extensive purpose-built playing environments.
Its facilities included wooded fields, concept fields, speedball areas and large structures designed for scenario games.
Castle fields
[edit]Among the property's most distinctive features were its large castle-style playing structures.
These provided multi-level defensive positions and formed the centrepieces of attack-and-defend events.
Park facilities
[edit]The park's published description identifies approximately 122 acres and 20 playing fields, along with accommodation and recreational facilities.[5]
The property has included:
- Castle Aaarrgh
- Castle Blue's Crew
- Multi-level concept fields
- Wooded playing areas
- Speedball fields
- Bunkhouses
- Campsites
- Recreation centre
- Equipment and paintball store
These figures describe the developed park and should not be assumed to apply to every period of its history.
Castle Conquest
[edit]Origins
[edit]Castle Conquest became one of EMR's signature paintball events.
The event centred on a large fortified playing structure and featured teams attempting to capture or defend the castle.
Game format
[edit]Castle Conquest developed around an attack-and-defend format.
The attacking force generally outnumbered the defenders.
The defending team attempted to hold a fortified position against a larger attacking force.
Castle Aaarrgh
[edit]One of the event's central structures was Castle Aaarrgh.
The castle incorporated walls, elevated positions, corridors and multiple defensive areas.
Its layout allowed players to experience large-scale attacks against a purpose-built fortification.
Event development
[edit]Castle Conquest became a recurring event.
WARPIG's December 2006 review of the Castle Conquest XXI DVD documented the event's development and the facilities at EMR.[1]
The numbering demonstrates that the series had already reached its twenty-first edition by that period.
Large attendance
[edit]A WARPIG report from the 2003 Skyball tournament described Castle Conquest as an established event expected to attract more than 1,000 players that year.[6]
The figure was a contemporary expectation rather than a verified final attendance count.
Castle Conquest XXI
[edit]The twenty-first Castle Conquest was documented in a DVD reviewed by Bill Mills for WARPIG in December 2006.
The review discussed the park's history, its playing facilities and Hanse's management of the venue.
Castle Conquest XXIII
[edit]A video of Castle Conquest XXIII, held in September 2007, was later included in the World Classic Paintball League's collection of paintball films.[7]
The event featured Blue and his Crew participating with the attackers while Joint Fury led the defenders.
Historical importance
[edit]Castle Conquest became associated with the growth of destination-based scenario paintball.
Its format differed from conventional tournament speedball by emphasising large playing areas, fortified positions and substantial numbers of participants.
Blue's Crew
[edit]Team association
[edit]Hanse is closely associated with Blue's Crew.
The team became one of the recognised groups participating in EMR events.
Recreational identity
[edit]Blue's Crew was associated with the park's social and recreational culture.
The group participated in large scenario games and special events.
Castle Conquest
[edit]Blue's Crew frequently appeared in connection with Castle Conquest and other EMR events.
The group was associated with castle defence and attack scenarios.
Later activity
[edit]EMR's published 2026 event information continued to identify Blue's Crew and Hanse in connection with Castle Frontlines events.[8]
This demonstrates the continued use of the Blue's Crew identity in the park's programming.
Scenario paintball
[edit]Development
[edit]Hanse contributed to the growth of scenario paintball through EMR's event programme.
Scenario paintball generally uses larger playing areas and longer game formats than tournament speedball.
Games may involve objectives, themed teams, fortified positions and multiple stages.
Destination events
[edit]EMR's facilities allowed participants to travel to the venue and remain for an entire weekend.
This contributed to the development of paintball events that combined organised play with camping and social activities.
Recreational culture
[edit]The park became known for an emphasis on player enjoyment and community.
Its event programme included large-scale games as well as smaller recreational sessions.
Pump and stock-class paintball
[edit]EMR was also associated with traditional paintball formats.
The Stock-Class Paintball Network listed EMR as a field supportive of pump and stock-class players.[9]
The listing described the park as offering accommodation and facilities for visiting players.
Paintball industry promotion
[edit]Trade shows
[edit]Hanse attended paintball tournaments and industry gatherings to promote both equipment and field events.
His earlier Montneel activities established relationships across the paintball industry.
Skyball 2003
[edit]At the 2003 Skyball tournament in Toronto, WARPIG reported that Hanse and the EMR crew attended the trade show to promote upcoming events.[6]
The report identified Castle Conquest as one of the park's principal attractions.
Industry relationships
[edit]EMR's events involved teams, manufacturers and recreational paintball groups.
The venue became part of the wider North American paintball event circuit.
Family involvement
[edit]Chris "Deuce" Hanse
[edit]Hanse's son, Chris "Deuce" Hanse, also became involved in the paintball industry.
In a 2011 article, Chris described growing up around his father's early paintball field.
He later worked in paintball media, marketing and field operations.[3]
Family business
[edit]Historical field directories described EMR as a family-operated paintball facility.
The Stock-Class Paintball Network identified Mike Hanse and his family as the park's operators.[9]
Continuing involvement
[edit]The family's participation contributed to the continuity of the EMR community across several decades.
Paintball Hall of Fame
[edit]Induction
[edit]Hanse was inducted into the inaugural Paintball Hall of Fame class in 2017.[4]
The Hall of Fame recognised individuals who had contributed to the development of paintball as a sport, recreational activity and industry.
Inaugural class
[edit]| 2017 inductee |
|---|
| Sal Briguglio |
| Bambi Bullard |
| Dan Colby |
| Bob Gurnsey |
| Mike "Blue" Hanse |
| Tom Kaye |
| Jim Lively |
| Bud Orr |
Recognition
[edit]Hanse's career encompassed field operation, equipment promotion, recreational paintball and scenario-event development.
His induction placed him among the first eight individuals recognised by the Hall of Fame.
Later activities
[edit]EMR Event Park
[edit]The EMR property has continued operating under the name EMR Event Park.
The park's programme includes paintball, airsoft and other outdoor recreational activities.
Castle Frontlines
[edit]The park's 2026 event calendar advertised Castle Frontlines events involving Blue's Crew and large-scale castle scenarios.[8]
A September 2026 event announcement specifically promoted the participation of Blue, Deuce and Potter.
Continuing historical association
[edit]Hanse remains associated with the EMR identity and its long-running scenario paintball traditions.
The precise present-day ownership and management structure of the property requires separate verification.
Historical significance
[edit]Early recreational paintball
[edit]Hanse's involvement with Hanse Hollow places his family within the early development of commercial recreational paintball.
Equipment industry
[edit]His work with Montneel Designs contributed to the promotion of early semi-automatic paintball equipment.
Destination paintball
[edit]EMR became a destination field offering extensive playing infrastructure and overnight accommodation.
Scenario events
[edit]Castle Conquest became a recognised large-scale scenario paintball event.
Community development
[edit]Hanse's emphasis on recreational participation and player conduct helped establish a distinctive culture at EMR.
Historical recognition
[edit]His induction into the Paintball Hall of Fame in 2017 formally recognised his contributions to the sport.
Timeline
[edit]| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 1980s | Operates or helps develop Hanse Hollow, an early family paintball field |
| Before mid-1990s | Associated with Wolf's Lair in Pennsylvania |
| Early 1990s | Acquires an ownership interest in Montneel Designs |
| 1993–1996 | Promotes Montneel equipment at tournaments and major paintball events |
| Late 1990s | Takes ownership of Wolf's Lair and reopens the property as EMR Paintball Park |
| 2003 | Promotes EMR and Castle Conquest at Skyball |
| 2006 | EMR and Castle Conquest XXI featured in WARPIG's DVD review |
| 2007 | Castle Conquest XXIII held at EMR |
| 2011 | Chris "Deuce" Hanse publishes a first-person account of growing up in the family paintball business |
| 2017 | Inducted into the inaugural Paintball Hall of Fame class |
| 2026 | Named in EMR's promotional material for Castle Frontlines events |
Research limitations
[edit]Further research is needed to establish:
- Hanse's date and place of birth
- The exact location and operating dates of Hanse Hollow
- The date Hanse became involved with Wolf's Lair
- The complete ownership history of Wolf's Lair
- The date and terms of his investment in Montneel Designs
- Montneel's complete corporate history
- The exact date EMR Paintball Park opened under its new name
- The original founding date of Castle Conquest
- Complete Castle Conquest attendance and event results
- The origins and roster history of Blue's Crew
- The original 2017 Paintball Hall of Fame induction citation
- The current ownership and management structure of EMR Event Park
See also
[edit]- EMR Paintball Park
- Wolf's Lair
- Montneel Designs
- Montneel Z-1
- Castle Conquest
- Blue's Crew
- Chris "Deuce" Hanse
- Scenario paintball
- Stock-class paintball
- Paintball Hall of Fame
- History of paintball
- Paintball in Pennsylvania
- Paintball in the United States
References
[edit]- "Castle Conquest XXI DVD Review", Bill Mills, WARPIG, December 2006. Contemporary retrospective documenting Wolf's Lair, Hanse's takeover of the property, the creation of EMR and the park's facilities.
- "Montneel Designs", VintageRex. Historical account of Montneel's ownership, Hanse's investment and his role in marketing and promoting the company during the 1990s.
- "My Life in Paintball", Chris "Deuce" Hanse, Social Paintball, 16 December 2011. First-person account of growing up around Hanse Hollow and the family's early paintball activities.
- "WCPL — The Hall of Fame", World Classic Paintball League. Historical register identifying Mike "Blue" Hanse as an inaugural 2017 Paintball Hall of Fame inductee.
- "About EMR Event Park", EMR Event Park. Official description of the park, its facilities and major events.
- "Skyball 2003", WARPIG, 2003. Contemporary tournament report identifying Hanse and the EMR crew promoting Castle Conquest and other events.
- "Today Is Movie Day", World Classic Paintball League. Includes a description of Castle Conquest XXIII in September 2007.
- "Fall Castle Frontlines 2026", EMR Event Park. Official event announcement identifying Blue, Deuce and Potter and describing the castle-based scenario format.
- "Stock-Class Paintball Network — Field Links", Stock-Class Paintball Network. Historical field listing identifying EMR as owned and operated by Mike Hanse and family and describing its support for pump and stock-class paintball.