The Minnesota Fall Tier I High Performance League playoffs start this weekend (September 27-29), marking the culmination of yet another successful season for some of the state’s top young players.
The League, which launched in 2015 and has been modified in the years since to expand to more age classifications, is open to all age-eligible players in groups that align with USA Hockey’s National Championships. The Fall schedule is designed to conclude in time for players to return to their community association’s or high school teams’ regular seasons.
“The purpose is to provide a Tier I competition and development experience,” said Jeremy Reed, Minnesota Hockey Vice President of Hockey Operations. “It allows players who have played in the Tier I leagues as 13-year-olds, 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds to have continuity and largely play with many of the same teammates from previous seasons, under the framework that places emphasis on the Minnesota community-based hockey model.”
According to Reed, the Fall Tier I League provides a great option for those looking for a Tier I experience in a pre- and post-season structure, much of which is designed for players from various geographical areas to participate on the same team, representing their home association, district and/or geographical region within the State of Hockey.
“The greatest benefit I hear from parents is the positive experience their son or daughter gains from playing with like players from other communities, building friendships and relationships in the hockey community,” said Reed. “Additionally, we hold and participate in some great events showcasing the talents of the Minnesota players, who also receive great exposure to other leagues and levels of play outside of Minnesota.”
Case in point, Reed says this fall four youth teams (two at the 14 Under Tier I level, one at the 15 Only level and one team at the 16U Tier I level) participated in the USHL Fall Classic in Pittsburgh. One of the 14 Under teams won the championship this year as well, capping off a dominant tournament. Two girls teams from the 14 Under Tier I level also traveled to Chicago, while each of the girls teams will be able to participate in the Minnesota Hockey-hosted National Invitational Tournament (NIT).
“This is a special framework that showcases the talented players we have here in Minnesota,” said Reed. “For me, what makes it great is being in the rinks in the fall, seeing the amount of pride and energy these players and families have for their teams, and representing their home association or community.”
What interested players/families need to know:
o Fall League registration begins in the Spring, after the conclusion of the USA Hockey National Championships.
o Specific tryout dates, times and locations vary and are scheduled by the leagues and/or districts to take place between May and July. Certain age levels are invite-only.
o Competition schedule also varies by league, age and/or district and runs from August through October.
o The number of games played for each team varies by age, typically between 14-20 games (plus playoffs for many classifications).
o Each age classification will conduct a League playoff at the end of its season. When applicable, 3 to 4 teams will continue to the District playoffs where they will play for a bid at USA Hockey Nationals (in some cases, teams may be invited to the National Tournament as an at-large bid).
o Cost varies by league. For 14U and 15U, there will be a tryout/registration fee of $100. Players that make the team are charged an additional fee by their district to cover the cost of practices, jerseys, team staff and league/playoff fees. Teams will be made aware of expected costs prior to the season starting.
o League play is governed by USA Hockey Tier I rules.
o For more information, visit https://www.minnesotahockey.org/tier