Minnesota Hockey, an affiliate of USA Hockey

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Minnesota Hockey, an affiliate of USA Hockey, is the governing body for youth and amateur Hockey in Minnesota, and it is the premier developer of Hockey players in the state. Since 1947, Minnesota Hockey (formerly known as the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association) has been providing volunteer services for the development and growth of Hockey in Minnesota. A board of directors governs Minnesota Hockey and comprises approximately 140 community-based associations, organized into 12 districts.

Letter From the President

Welcome to the 77th Minnesota Hockey season!

Summer has come and gone. Kids are returning to school and looking forward to reuniting with their friends. With that, we look forward to the start of a new season in the sport that players love, and we enjoy watching them play. As they say, “LET’S PLAY HOCKEY!”

We are so fortunate that things are different here. Not only is our game played within a non-profit, community-based model, but it’s also played in publicly owned rinks. We have great players and great competition in every corner of our state. And while Hockey does have expenses, it is a small fraction of what it costs to play in Minnesota compared to elsewhere.

To me, that shows how much families across the state want to be a part of this amazing sport in this fantastic model. More and more children are joining their friends and classmates on the ice, and that makes me smile to think about the joy and laughter they are experiencing together. I am confident that it will be our best season ever. We continue to have the best volunteers, coaches, and officials.

Let’s keep Hockey in Minnesota the best. How can we do that? And how can we be even better? We always want to keep improving.

Let’s start by being mindful of how we are treating each other at the rinks. We must prioritize respect for opponents, coaches, and officials. Please remember that officials are human and are the reason our players can experience the fun of games. Keep in mind that coaches and volunteers are taking time out of their schedules to mold and shape our children as players and people. And most importantly, let the kids have fun. This is THEIR game, and sometimes, as adults, our best intentions can get in the way. If we let them figure things out and enjoy being on the ice, Hockey will give them what they need.

Lastly, I challenge everyone to invite a new family into the game. Hockey can be an intimidating sport for those who haven’t tried it. So, extend a hand to someone new and invite them into the rink. Let’s welcome people from all backgrounds to be a part of Minnesota Hockey!

Steve Oleheiser

President - Minnesota Hockey

New Players

Let's Play Hockey!

Photo courtesy of Nick Wosika

If you or your child is excited to try Hockey but isn't sure how to get started, you have come to the right place!

As the governing body and premier developer of Hockey players in Minnesota since 1947, helping new players start Hockey is one of our main priorities!

The first step is figuring out what age level and Hockey program is right for you and your child. Minnesota Hockey offers a range of programs for players of all abilities and skill levels. Here is a quick introduction to each of them, along with links to more information on getting involved:

Community-Based Hockey: This is where the majority of young boys and girls (view age charts) participate in Hockey. Our local associations offer teams, leagues, games, coaches, and more for players aged 5 to 18. Find an association near you!

Recreation League: Similar to association Hockey, the "Rec League" offers Hockey for players 18 & under, but this league provides an alternative form of Hockey that is low-cost and low-commitment, enabling kids to pursue other activities in addition to Hockey. The Rec League is also an excellent place for kids aged 10-18 to start playing if they have no experience in organized Hockey.

Disabled Hockey: In Minnesota, we believe that Hockey is for everyBODY. That is why we offer a variety of Hockey programs for kids and adults with mental or physical disabilities.

Adult Hockey: With the growing number of adult teams and leagues, Hockey has become a lifetime sport, even for those who don't start until after their kids. See how you can get started now, regardless of age!

Women's Hockey: Minnesota is a leader in the US and worldwide in providing girls and women opportunities to play Hockey. From first-time players to Olympians, you can find all levels of women's Hockey in Minnesota.

Try Hockey For Free!

Each November and February, USA Hockey, Minnesota Hockey, and local associations partner to host Try Hockey For Free events throughout the state.

Questions?

Send Minnesota Hockey an Email!

Getting Started

Most associations offer one or more of the entry-level options below to help new players learn the basics. These programs are the most common starting point for new Hockey players.

A Learn-to-Skate program helps young skaters to become more confident on their skates before introducing a Hockey stick and puck to the lessons. Youth associations, local figure skating clubs, or the city's parks and recreation department can offer these programs.

A Learn-to-Play or Intro to Hockey program focuses on skating skills, while also teaching the fundamental skills of stick handling, shooting, and passing. The local youth Hockey association usually offers these.

The local youth Hockey association usually offers an age 8 & under or Mite program, which should include a level of play geared toward entry-level kids.

To find and contact an association near you, click here.

Try Hockey For Free

World Girls' Hockey Weekend

Little Wild Learn to Play

Never Too Late Camps

What Hockey Teaches

Resources for New Hockey Parents

While each Hockey association and Arena structure their programs slightly differently, most of them follow the same timeline for the season. For beginning players at the Mite/8U level, the season typically runs from November to February, with a break for the Christmas holiday. At the older age levels, Hockey starts a little earlier and finishes with playoffs. Here is a typical youth Hockey schedule.

Aug.: Registration opens

Sept.-Oct. - Registration closes, tryouts, and Learn to Play or Learn to Skate programs occur

Nov.: Try Hockey For Free Day, practices start for the youngest ages, and games begin for older players

Dec.-Jan.: Hockey is in full swing

Feb.-March: Teams participate in playoffs, end-of-season tournaments and season winds down

April-May: Associations host end-of-season banquets and board meetings

June-Aug.: Summer clinics and camps are available for those interested

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