The Minnesota Hockey Recreation League (“Rec League”), presented by Hiway Federal Credit Union, is entering its tenth season of offering players in the greater metro area a low cost, low commitment hockey alternative.  The Rec League focuses on teaching basic hockey skills and sportsmanship in a no check, low pressure environment that fosters a love of hockey.

Over the first nine seasons, the Rec League has grown from just over 70 players to more than 650. Registration for the 2019-20 season will open in September.

The league’s impressive growth and popularity can be attributed to its unique approach to hockey. In addition to providing players the opportunity to pursue other sports or activities in the winter, the Rec League allows players to request to play with their friends. Teams are formed on the basis of friend requests, geographical area and competitive balance with the goal of maximizing each player’s experience and limiting travel.

This season the Rec League will be offering five levels of play: 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U. Teams will be formed in November. Then, the teams hit the ice in December for three skill sessions before the regular season starts in January and runs to the middle of March. The season concludes with an end of the year festival, and each team will have a total of 24 ice sessions. 

At the 10U and 12U levels, teams will average one practice and one game each week.  The older age groups will follow the same format early in the season before switching to a more game heavy format.

The Rec League 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) and Thaler Sports Center (Mound). Additional locations will be secured prior to the season. No ice sessions are held on Wednesday nights or Sunday mornings.

Prior to registering, we encourage everyone to view our eligibility information and to sign up for our e-newsletter.