The Minnesota Hockey Recreation League (“Rec League”), presented by Hiway Federal Credit Union® (“Hiway”), is nearing its November 10th registration deadline for the 2017-18 season. The Rec League offers players in the greater metro area a low cost, low commitment hockey alternative.  The league emphasizes teaching basic hockey skills, promoting sportsmanship and providing a low-pressure environment that fosters a love of hockey.

The Rec League has grown from 71 players to more than 650 in just eight seasons, making it the fastest growing classification within Minnesota Hockey. For the upcoming season, the Rec League will offer five levels of play (10 & Under, 12 & Under, 14 & Under, 16 & Under and 18 & Under).

The Rec League’s growth and popularity is attributed to its unique approach to organized hockey.  The combination of a shorter season with only two events per week allows players to pursue other sports and activities throughout the winter.  Examples of the Rec League’s distinctive philosophy include allowing participants to request to play with friends and family, or even a specific coach, and avoiding ice sessions on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings.

"We are excited to have Hiway as a presenting partner of the Minnesota Hockey Recreation League," stated Dave Margenau, Minnesota Hockey President. "Their support helps provide another program for players to continue to participate in and enjoy our great game."

Teams will be formed in November and hit the ice starting in December for three skill development clinics. The Rec League season kicks off in early January, runs for ten weeks and concludes with an end of the year festival in mid-March.

The Rec League is a serves the greater metro area and schedules the majority of its ice hours at the following locations: Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center, Burnsville Ice Center, Fogerty Arena (Blaine), Minnetonka Ice Arena, New Hope Ice Arena, Richfield Ice Arena, Schwan Super Rink (Blaine), Thaler Sports Center (Mound) and starting this season the TRIA Rink in St. Paul.

The registration deadline is Friday, November 10th, after which families will be charged an additional fee to sign up and players will be placed on rosters as space allows.

Hiway Federal Credit Union was founded in 1931 to serve the employees of the Minnesota Highway Department. Today, Hiway serves over 62,000 members in Minnesota and around the country, registers $988 million in assets and welcomes new membership from individuals and small businesses. Hiway offers its members unparalleled member service and a lifetime of savings through lower loan rates, higher savings rates and fewer and lower fees. 

Minnesota Hockey, a USA Hockey affiliate, is the governing body of youth hockey in Minnesota. With over 67,000 registered players and coaches, it is the largest state governing body for hockey in the United States.