Author: Christina Libs

pacing myself to play hockey for the next 70 years

Coach Claudia Kepler to lead special pro-coached practice sessions for MGHA’s 20th season 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that coach Claudia Kepler (founder and head coach of Hockey EDU, former UW Badgers team captain 🦡, NCAA D1 assistant coach, and professional hockey player) has been confirmed to lead 8 special pro-coached practice sessions this season outside of regular season play. These session focus directly on skating fundamentals, puck control, and safe body control to help build skills and confidence on the ice.

Note: This is a 1-year pilot experiment the MGHA Board is funding in celebration of our 20th season 🎉, rather than a guaranteed annual offering.

🏒 Step 1: Complete (optional) Player Practice Survey

Your responses help Claudia understand our players and prepare practice sessions. Responses will also be shared with MGHA Board and Hockey Ops to learn about our players skill development and interests this year.

Player Practice Survey link; https://forms.gle/vKj7ZciW6pdPTTbg6

📏 Step 2: Read Required Registration Rules

Understand the rules to ensure as many players as possible (of 350+ skaters) get a chance to get pro coaching this year.

  • 📐 Rule 1: Sign up for one session only. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If there are extra spots are available, a message will be sent to skaters who already attended a practice that they can join another.
  • 📏 Rule 2: Sign the waiver on Claudia’s website before your ice time; https://www.eduhockey.com/bookonline.
  • 📐 Rule 3: Help others get access to practice space. If your schedule allows, take a spot in a less popular time so we fill up each ice time to the max of 40 players. Help make hockey more accessible to everyone!

🏒 Step 3a: Sign up for Practice Session(s) below, and…

✍️ Step 3b: Sign the waiver HERE on Claudia’s Website

You must have signed the waiver on Claudia’s website before ice time; https://www.eduhockey.com/bookonline.

📅 Practice Session Overview

  1. Session 1: Friday, Oct 9 @ 5:00 PM @ DeForest – for L2, L3, L4 skaters.
  2. Session 2: Tuesday, Nov 6 @ 7:40 PM @ L20 Middleton Rink A – for L1, L2, L3 skaters.
  3. Session 3: Thursday, Nov 12 @ 8:30 AM @ Bakke – for any level players.
  4. Session 4: TBA
  5. Session 5: TBA
  6. Session 6: TBA
  7. Session 7: TBA
  8. Session 8: TBA ***SPECIAL SESSION: TRUE BEGINNERS*** If you are brand-brand new to ice skating or hockey, sign up for this slot and we will coordinate with you separately to make sure one of the 8 sessions is focused on newer ice skaters.

Note: We are finalizing the next sessions and players will be updated once confirmed. You can check back on this post for updates.

Thanks!

💕 Avery C. (Board Member & Practice Organizer) and Christina L. (Practice Organizer)

Sign up for MGHA Super Bowl Scrimmages – February 9th 2025

Super Bowl Sunday is even *better* with hockey!

  • Rink A
    • 5:10 PM – 6:20 PM: L1+L2 Scrimmage
    • 6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: L2+L3 Scrimmage
  • Rink B
    • 5:20 PM – 6:20 PM: Goalie Curious Clinic (1/3 ice) + Open Stick and Puck (2/3 ice)
      • Coaches are available for tips!
    • 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: L1+L2 Scrimmage

Please sign up for ONE scrimmage only.

If there are spots open within 24 hours of ice time, you may sign up for more. HOPs will move folks around if needed.

NOTE: We are asking a couple captains to sign up to help 1) open/close the box and move supplies to/from the rink, 2) start scrimmages, and 3) balance sides as needed. Thanks!

Sign up for MGHA HoliGays – December 1st 2024

11/28 Update: Scheduling miscommunication, Cap Ice only had us down for one hour on Rink B. So let’s all hop on the ice for some puck-handling practice alongside the Goalie-Curious clinic!

Thanksgiving Sunday, December 1st

5:00-6:00 PM: Goalie Curious Clinic, 1/3 of the ice

  • Are you interested in *trying* goalie *maybe* just this *one* time?
  • Satisfy your curiosity with the help of experienced goalies who will teach the basics during this clinic.

5:00-6:00 PM: Shooting/Passing/Puck-handling Practice, 2/3 of the ice

  • Led by Avery and Christina L.

6PM-Onward: Social at an MGHA Sponsor – join for a drink and bite nearby the rink!

2024 Team Reveal – October 20th Sign Up

NOTE: All players are welcome these scrimmages to get to know others at your level *just* before teams are revealed. We encourage you to attend team reveal night <3 and will post rosters on the website *after* these events.

Rink A:
4:30 – 5:30 PM: L1 Scrimmage

5:40 – 6:40 PM: L1 Scrimmage

7:30 – 8:30 PM: 🎉 Team Reveal 🎉
– The entire league will be together to announce rosters and meet your team IRL.		Rink B:

5:10 – 6:10 PM: L2 Scrimmage

6:20 – 7:20 PM: L3 Scrimmage

8:30 – 9:30 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage
– Stick around to watch with your new team!
Need help? If you have questions about which sessions to sign up for, you can ask your mentor, hockey operations (hops@madisongayhockey.org) or the board (board@madisongayhockey.org). Read the catch-all preseason post with all information.

2024 Preseason – October 13th Sign Ups

NOTE: Bring a light and dark jersey to scrimmages. You can sign up for a side but may have to switch sides to balance rosters.

Rink A:
5:00 – 6:00 PM: L3 Scrimmage

6:10 – 7:10 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage

7:20 – 8:20 PM: L1/L2 Scrimmage
– For both new and returning players.

Rink B:

5:10 – 6:10 PM: L2 Scrimmage

6:20 – 7:20 PM: L1 Scrimmage
– For both new and returning players.

7:30 – 8:30 PM: Flex Ice Time
– Likely not needed. Will adjust as necessary.
Need help? If you have questions about which sessions to sign up for, you can ask your mentor, hockey operations (hops@madisongayhockey.org) or the board (board@madisongayhockey.org). Read the catch-all preseason post with all information.

2024 Preseason – October 6th Sign Ups

NOTE: Evaluations are required for new-to-MGHA players and returning players wanting to play up a level from last year and need a re-evaluation of skills. Contact Hockey Operations (hops@madisongayhockey.org) if you cannot attend required evaluations OR if you have a unique situation or question.

Rink A:
5:00 – 6:00 PM: L1/L2 Player Skills Evaluation
-Required for new and level-change players.

6:10 – 7:10 PM: New-to-Hockey Scrimmage
-Led by coaches, designed for new players learn essential hockey rules.

7:20 – 8:20 PM: L1/L2 Scrimmage		Rink B:


5:10 – 6:10 PM:
L3 Scrimmage

6:20 – 7:20 PM:
L2 Evaluations Scrimmage
-Required for new and level-change players.

7:30 – 8:30 PM: L1/L2 Scrimmage
Need help? If you have questions about which sessions to sign up for, you can ask your mentor, hockey operations (hops@madisongayhockey.org) or the board (board@madisongayhockey.org). Read the catch-all preseason post with all information.

2024 Preseason – September 29th Sign Ups

NOTE: Evaluations are required for new-to-MGHA players and returning players wanting to play up a level from last year and need a re-evaluation of skills. Contact Hockey Operations (hops@madisongayhockey.org) if you cannot attend required evaluations OR if you have a unique situation or question.

Rink A:

  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: L3 Evaluation Scrimmage
  • 5:40 PM – 6:10 PM: L2 Skills Station Evaluation
  • 6:10 PM – 7:10 PM: L1 Skills Station Evaluation
  • 7:20 PM – 8:00 PM: Hockey 101 (Off Ice in the Eagle’s Nest)

Rink B:

  • 5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: L2 Scrimmage (Non-Evaluation)
  • 6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: L2 Evaluations Scrimmage
  • 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: L1 Scrimmage (Non-Evaluation)

Need help? If you have questions about which sessions to sign up for, you can ask your mentor, hockey operations (hops@madisongayhockey.org) or the board (board@madisongayhockey.org). Read the catch-all preseason post with all information..

2024 Preseason – September 22nd Sign Ups

IMPORTANT NOTE: Evaluations are required for new-to-MGHA players and returning players wanting to play up a level from last year and need a re-evaluation of skills. Contact Hockey Operations (hops@madisongayhockey.org) if you cannot attend required evaluations OR if you have a unique situation or question.

Rink A:

5:00 – 6:00 PM:
L3 Player Evaluation Scrimmage
-Required for new and level-change players.
-Some space is available for L3 players not needing evaluation.

6:10 – 7:40 PM:
Goalie Evaluations
-Required for all goalies.
-Asking for 10-15 experienced shot-takers.

7:50 – 8:50 PM:
L2/L3 Scrimmage
-Sign up for a side.
-Bring a light and a dark jersey.
Rink B:

5:10 – 6:10 PM:
Clinic: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey
-Led by coaches, learn skills for L1 play in a low pressure environment.

6:20 – 7:20 PM:
L2 Clinic
-Led by coaches, learn skills for L2 play.

7:30 – 8:30 PM:
L1/L2 Clinic
-Led by coaches, learn skills for L1/L2 play.

8:40 – 9:40 PM:
L1 Clinic
-Led by coaches, learn skills for L1/L2 play.
Need help? If you have questions about which sessions to sign up for, you can ask your mentor, hockey operations (hops@madisongayhockey.org) or the board (board@madisongayhockey.org). Read the catch-all preseason post with all information.

2024 Preseason – September 15th Sign Ups

NOTE: Bring a light and dark jersey for scrimmages.

Rink A:

4:30 – 5:30 PM: L2 Scrimmage

5:40 – 6:40 PM: L2 Scrimmages




6:50 – 7:50 PM: L1 Scrimmage
– Returning Players ONLY
Rink B:

5:00 – 6:00 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey Clinic
-Coach-led clinic for new players in a low pressure environment.

6:10 – 7:10 PM: L2/L3 Small Space Drills
-Led by experienced skaters.

7:20 – 8:20 PM: L3 Scrimmage
Need help? If you have questions about which sessions to sign up for, you can ask your mentor, hockey operations (hops@madisongayhockey.org) or the board (board@madisongayhockey.org). Read the catch-all preseason post with all information.

2024 Preseason – September 8th Sign Up

Rink A:

  • 3:30 PM – New-to-MGHA Player Orientation
    • Off-ice, required for new-to-MGHA players, mentors welcome!
  • 4:30 PM – Gear up in the Locker Room
    • Mentors are welcome to join their new players to help gear up safely.
  • 5:00 PM – New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey
    • Learn hockey essentials in this low pressure environment designed for new players.

Need Help? If you have questions about which sessions to sign up for, check in with your mentor, hockey operations (hops@madisongayhockey.org) or the board (board@madisongayhockey.org). Read the catch-all preseason post with all information.