Author: Tim Tender

Hi. My name is Tim. Pleasure to meet you! The paragraphs below give you some highlights about me. I hope you enjoy. Hockey first... I started playing hockey in 1999/2000 with my high school's JV team. I played some adult league hockey and worked at a rink from 1999 until I moved to Johnstown in 2005. I played sporadically from then until I moved to Madison in 2011. I took a year or so off just because I didn't know where to play here and I traveled a lot for work. Now, I'm finally able to join a league because I don't travel anymore. I've been with the MGHA since 2015 and have served on the Board for several of those years. I've also been a captain since 2016. More stuff... In addition to hockey, I enjoy TV, alternative music, and being outdoors. I play soccer, as well. I also used to host a music trivia / pop culture trivia / game show type-thing at a bar back home. Since moving to Madison, I now just host it for friends in my house every couple of months. My dream job is to be a game show host! Work... As far as work goes, I work for Advarra as a software tester. I've also freelanced on WMTV here in Madison. I used to work at a TV station in Johnstown, PA where I did weekend weather and produced weather graphics. It was fun, but it's nice to have a 9-5 job without having to work holidays. That's it for now.

2025 Preseason – September 14th Sign Ups

NOTE: Bring a light and dark jersey for scrimmages.

So that others have a chance to sign up and participate with limited ice time, you may only sign up for one scrimmage or clinic. If spots are remaining 48 hours prior to the event, you may sign up for a second clinic or scrimmage.

Rink ARink B
4:20 – 5:20 PM: L1/L2 Small Space Drills
-Led by experienced skaters.

5:30 – 6:30 PM: L2 Scrimmage

6:40 – 7:40 PM: L1 Scrimmage
– Returning Players ONLY

7:50- 8:50 PM: L2 Scrimmage
5:10 – 6:10 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey Clinic
-Coach-led clinic for new players in a low pressure environment.

6:20 – 7:20 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey Clinic
-Coach-led clinic for new players in a low pressure environment.

7:30 – 8:30 PM: L2/L3 Small Space Drills
-Led by experienced skaters.

8:40 – 9:40 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.

Sign Up for 9/14 - Preseason

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2025 Preseason – September 7th Sign Ups

Our first week is focused on those who are new to skating and new to hockey. Orientation is mandatory for all new players. Those who have played hockey previously can choose to attend either session on September 7th or a session on September 14th.

Skaters who are new to hockey, please choose either the 6:00 PM or 7:10 PM session. Each week, you’ll choose one new-to-hockey session.

L20 Middleton:

  • 4:30 PM – New-to-MGHA Player Orientation
    • Off-ice, required for new-to-MGHA players, mentors welcome!
  • 5:40 PM – New-to-MGHA Player Orientation
    • Off-ice, required for new-to-MGHA players, mentors welcome!

Rink A:

  • 5:30 PM – Gear up in the Locker Room
    • Mentors are welcome to join their new players to help gear up safely.
  • 6:00 PM – New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey (Session 1)
    • Learn hockey essentials in this low pressure environment designed for new players.
  • 6:40 PM – Gear up in the Locker Room
    • Mentors are welcome to join their new players to help gear up safely.
  • 7:10 PM – New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey (Session 2)
    • 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.

Sign Up for 9/7 - Preseason

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MGHA Preseason Primer 2025-2026

Welcome to the MGHA preseason primer. Here, we’ll take you through all of the things you need to know and do to prepare for the upcoming season.

Click Me to Expand!

Throughout this document, you’ll see these hidden details sections. Expand them for more information!

New to MGHA? Click here learn some of the terminology!

This section is designed to help those unfamiliar with the MGHA get familiar with some of our terms.

Off-Ice Orientation: Those who are new to the MGHA must attend one of these sessions. We cover the expectations of being a player in the MGHA.

Clinics: These learning opportunities focus on skills and drills and are usually led by a volunteer coach.

Scrimmages: Consider these games without keeping score and (usually) without a referee. Teams are split and there are no set positions. As a player comes off the ice, they shout the position they’re playing and the next person on the bench fills that spot.

Skill Evaluations: In order to make fair and balanced teams, we need to know the skill levels of all players. These ARE NOT tryouts. Everyone will be on a team. These are used by hockey operations to assign everyone a skill level and those are used during team creation. 

IMPORTANT: We will continue our evaluation strategy from the 2024-2025 season. Read more.

Evaluations are no longer mandatory for some returning players. If you do not believe your skill has changed from last season and if you do not fall into one of the required groups, you are not required to be evaluated, though you may attend and be re-evaluated if you wish.

Evaluations are mandatory for the following groups:

  • New MGHA players
  • Players moving from a lower league to a higher league (ex: L1 to L2)
  • Players who feel they have gotten better or worse since last season’s evaluations
  • Players returning to the MGHA after more than a year away from the league
  • Goalies

Please use your best judgement. If you believe your skill has changed, please plan to attend the evaluation session. Remember, accurate evaluations help us create balanced teams.

Similar to last season, this is the approach for this year’s evaluations:

  • L1 prospective skaters will be evaluated using stations.
    • ACTION: Sign up for skills stations on Sept. 28 or Oct. 5
  • L2 prospective skaters will be evaluated using a mix of stations and observed scrimmages.
    • ACTION: Sign up for skills stations AND an evaluation scrimmage on either Sept. 28 or Oct. 5
  • L3 prospective skaters will be evaluated within a scrimmage.
    • ACTION: Sign up for an evaluation scrimmage on Sept. 21 or Sept. 28

Schedules will be outlined below. If you fall into one of the required groups, please plan to attend ONE OF the evaluation nights for the league you’re planning to skate in.

Action Items (Do These Now!)

The following items must be completed in order to play in the MGHA. Please go through each of the ACTION items in red below and confirm that you’ve completed them as soon as possible.

USA Hockey Registration

Before you can set foot, err… skate on the ice for the upcoming season, you’ll need to be registered with USA Hockey.  We do this for liability reasons to protect those in our league.  Signing up is easy and can be done online.

🟥 ACTION: Follow this link to sign up for USA Hockey… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/usa-hockey-registration/

Player Account and League Logistics

For planning purposes, we need some information from you. Please head into your player profile’s logistics page on the website and fill in the following required fields:

  • Preferred league (L1, L2, L3, or some combination of preference)
    • You can change this field up until early October. Stay tuned for an exact date.
  • T-Shirt size
  • Hockey jersey size
  • Emergency contact
  • Play-with and do-not-play-with requests (due by Oct. 1)

All of this is now handled on the logistics page of your player account on the website. Note that you must be logged in to see this page.

Click here for more details on play-with / not-play-with requests

If you have someone who you’ve discussed ridesharing with or you feel that being on a team or in a locker room with another player would negatively affect your safety, this is how you let us know.  We’ll do our best to honor these requests during the team creation process.  There are three options: must play with, would like to play with, and would not feel safe playing with. Play-with fields are optional.

While you’re there, consider filling out the rest, such as your bio, pronouns, hometown and a photo. There’s also a field for hockey operations volunteer role preference. Read more about that here.

🟥 ACTION: Follow this link to adjust your account… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/account/logistics

League Fees

Fees are $375 this year: a $100 deposit earlier this summer plus the remainder to be paid before taking the ice, both are noted in your personal website Player Account page when you’re signed in.

The MGHA is committed to making hockey accessible to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and funds are available to provide financial assistance to players in need. Need help… please complete our financial assistance form.  If you have any questions, please contact Nik, our treasurer, via email: treasurer@madisongayhockey.org.

🟥 ACTION: Pay your league fees at the link… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/product/2025-2026-league-fees/

Join the Discord Server

In an effort to stop relying on Facebook, the MGHA is transitioning our communication to rely on email and our Discord server. The server allows us to communicate on our terms and to include all instead of just some. In addition, we’re planning to add individuals to team channels on the Discord server so that your team can communicate throughout the season.

We’re still working out some details. More information about our Discord server will be shared in the next few weeks. For now, join and set up your account to be ready to go.

🟥 ACTION: Join the MGHA Discord server here…

Final Check

IMPORTANT: Click here to make sure everything is good to go.

If anything is unchecked, please click on the link to fix the issue before moving on.

Preseason Schedule

The preseason schedule is outlined below. Use this as a jumping-off point to sign up for a session each week. You’ll find more details and instructions on each page. More details and sessions will be added throughout the preseason.

September 7:

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Orientation

If you’re new to the MGHA, you must attend one of our off-ice orientation sessions.

5:40 PM – 6:40 PM: Orientation

If you’re new to the MGHA, you must attend one of our off-ice orientation sessions.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey

This session is for those who are brand new to our league who have never played hockey before. We’ll have coaches and helpers to make sure you succeed. I promise… we’ve got you!

7:10 PM – 8:10 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey

This session is for those who are brand new to our league who have never played hockey before. We’ll have coaches and helpers to make sure you succeed. I promise… we’ve got you!

🟥 ACTION: Sign up for sessions here: https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2025-preseason-september-7th-sign-ups/.

September 14:

4:20 PM – 5:20 PM: L1-L2 Small Space Drills

Join us for some skills and drills that’ll be designed and led by our coaches.

5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey

We continue our session for new MGHAers who have never played hockey before. Similar to the first week, we’ll help you through the basics.

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: L2 Player Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L2 players.

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Orientation (Off-Ice)

If you’re new to the MGHA, you must attend one of our off-ice orientation sessions.

6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey

We continue our session for new MGHAers who have never played hockey before. Similar to the first week, we’ll help you through the basics.

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM: L1 Returning Player Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for returning L1 players.

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: L2-L3 Small Space Drills

Join us for some skills and drills that’ll be designed and led by L3 skaters.

7:50 PM – 8:50 PM: L2 Player Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L2 players.

8:40 PM – 9:40 PM: L3 Player Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L3 players.

🟥 ACTION: Sign up for sessions here: https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2025-preseason-september-14th-sign-ups/

September 21:

L3 evaluations and goalie evaluations will take place. Remember, goalies, new MGHA players, and those moving up a league must attend evaluations. Read the note at the top of this post for more. Other players will have clinics or scrimmages. Choose the one that best suits your skill level.

Stay tuned for today’s schedule.

🟥 ACTION: Sign ups will be available soon…

September 28:

This week will again focus on evaluations. For those who have already been evaluated or do not need evaluations this year, we’ll have opportunities for scrimmage play. Remember, new MGHA players and those moving up a league must attend evaluations. There will be an additional L1 scrimmage slot for those who do not need to be evaluated this year.

Stay tuned for today’s schedule.

🟥 ACTION: Sign ups will be available soon…

October 5:

For those who couldn’t attend evaluations, we’ll have makeup sessions along with scrimmages. Our brand new skaters will also have their first-ever scrimmage!

Stay tuned for today’s schedule.

🟥 ACTION: Sign ups will be available soon…

October 12:

This night will include scrimmages as your hockey leaders are working behind the scenes to create teams and make sure all of the details of the season are squared away.

Stay tuned for today’s schedule.

🟥 ACTION: Sign ups will be available soon…

October 19:

It’s team reveal night! We’ll have some on-ice activities throughout the night along with the big reveal of your MGHA teams! Please plan to attend and be on time! Teams will be posted on the website following these events.

Stay tuned for today’s schedule.

Grab some pizza and snag a spot on the bleachers to bond with new teammates and cheer for players on the ice after team reveal!

🟥 ACTION: Sign ups will be available soon…

October 26:

After team reveal, we’ll use the next two weeks to get your team prepared for the season. We’ll also have some other fun on the ice. We’ll outline the schedule in the weeks to come.

Note: You do not need to sign up for practices, but it’s helpful to uncheck that you’re attending and to let your captain know if you’re going to miss.

🟥 ACTION: Sign ups will be available soon…

November 02:

After team reveal, we’ll use the next two weeks to get your team prepared for the season. We’ll also have some other fun on the ice. We’ll outline the schedule in the weeks to come.

Note: You do not need to sign up for practices, but it’s helpful to uncheck that you’re attending and to let your captain know if you’re going to miss.

🟥 ACTION: Sign ups will be available soon…

November 09:

Let’s go! Regular season games start! The schedule will be revealed during the preseason. Keep an eye on the schedules page of the website.

That’s it! Please be sure that you’ve completed all of the action items above. Once you’ve done that, you can add them to your calendar and show up for preseason festivities! We can’t wait to see you on the ice!

Need help? If anything is missing or confusing on this post, please notify hops@madisongayhockey.org and we’ll help you out.

2024 Preseason – November 3rd Scrimmage Sign-Up

Rink A:
5:00 – 7:10 PM: L2 Practices
– Four L2 teams practice. See schedule page for teams and times.

7:20 – 8:20 PM: All L1 Practice
– Players will rotate through stations to focus on hockey basics with advanced actions available to those who are a little more skilled.

8:30 – 9:30 PM: Potential Scrimmage Slot
– If the L2 scrimmage fills up, we’ll open up another slot for an L1/L2 scrimmage. 		Rink B:

5:10 – 7:20 PM: L3 Practices
– All L3 teams practice. See schedule page for times.

7:30 – 8:30 PM: 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.

Sign up for 11/3 - Practice Week 2

You must log in to sign up.


2024 Preseason – October 27th Scrimmage Sign-Up

Rink A:
5:00 – 8:20 PM: L1 Practices
– All L1 teams practice. See schedule page for times.

8:30 – 9:30 PM: L2 Scrimmage
– Please allow those L2 skaters without practices tonight priority to this scrimmage. If open spots remain on Sunday, other L2 skaters may attend.		Rink B:

5:10 – 7:20 PM: L2 Practices
– Four L2 teams practice. See schedule page for times and teams.

7:30 – 8:30 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.

Sign up for 10/27 - Practice Week 1

You must log in to sign up.


MGHA Preseason Primer 2024-2025

Welcome to the MGHA preseason primer. Here, we’ll take you through all of the things you need to know and do to prepare for the 2024-2025 season.

Click Me to Expand!

Throughout this document, you’ll see these hidden details sections. Expand them for more information!

New to MGHA? Click here learn some of the terminology!

This section is designed to help those unfamiliar with the MGHA get familiar with some of our terms.

Off-Ice Orientation: Those who are new to the MGHA must attend one of these sessions. We cover the expectations of being a player in the MGHA.

Clinics: These learning opportunities focus on skills and drills and are usually led by a volunteer coach.

Scrimmages: Consider these games without keeping score and (usually) without a referee. Teams are split and there are no set positions. As a player comes off the ice, they shout the position they’re playing and the next person on the bench fills that spot.

Skill Evaluations: In order to make fair and balanced teams, we need to know the skill levels of all players. These ARE NOT tryouts. Everyone will be on a team. These are used by hockey operations to assign everyone a skill level and those are used during team creation. 

IMPORTANT: Click here to learn about evaluation changes for the 24-25 season.

Based on feedback from last year, evaluations are no longer mandatory for some returning players. If you do not believe your skill has changed from last season and if you do not fall into one of the required groups, you are not required to be evaluated, though you may attend and be re-evaluated if you wish.

Evaluations are mandatory for the following groups:

  • New MGHA players
  • Players moving from a lower league to a higher league (ex: L1 to L2)
  • Players who feel they have gotten better or worse since last season’s evaluations
  • Players returning to the MGHA after more than a year away from the league
  • Goalies

Please use your best judgement. If you believe your skill has changed, please plan to attend the evaluation session. Remember, accurate evaluations help us create balanced teams.

This season, we’re taking a slightly different approach to evaluations, as well.

  • L1 prospective skaters will be evaluated using stations, similar to last season.
    • ACTION: Sign up for skills stations on Sept. 29 or Oct. 6
  • L2 prospective skaters will be evaluated using a mix of stations and observed scrimmages.
    • ACTION: Sign up for skills stations AND an evaluation scrimmage on Sept. 29 or Oct. 6
  • L3 prospective skaters will be evaluated within a scrimmage.
    • ACTION: Sign up for an evaluation scrimmage on Sept. 22 or Sept. 29

Schedules will be outlined below. If you fall into one of the required groups, please plan to attend ONE OF the evaluation nights for the league you’re planning to skate in.

Action Items (Do These Now!)

The following items must be completed in order to play in the MGHA. Please go through each of the ACTION items in red below and confirm that you’ve completed them as soon as possible.

USA Hockey Registration

Before you can set foot, err… skate on the ice for the upcoming season, you’ll need to be registered with USA Hockey.  We do this for liability reasons to protect those in our league.  Signing up is easy and can be done online.

✅ ACTION: Follow this link to sign up for USA Hockey… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/usa-hockey-registration/

Player Account and League Logistics

For planning purposes, we need some information from you. Please head into your player profile’s logistics page on the website and fill in the following required fields:

  • Preferred league (L1, L2, L3, or some combination of preference)
    • You can change this field up until early October. Stay tuned for an exact date.
  • T-Shirt size
  • Hockey jersey size
  • Emergency contact
  • Play-with and do-not-play-with requests (due by Oct. 1)

All of this is now handled on the logistics page of your player account on the website. Note that you must be logged in to see this page.

Click here for more details on play-with / not-play-with requests

If you have someone who you’ve discussed ridesharing with or you feel that being on a team or in a locker room with another player would negatively affect your safety, this is how you let us know.  We’ll do our best to honor these requests during the team creation process.  There are three options: must play with, would like to play with, and would not feel safe playing with. Play-with fields are optional.

While you’re there, consider filling out the rest, such as your bio, pronouns, hometown and a photo. There’s also a field for hockey operations volunteer role preference. Read more about that here.

✅ ACTION: Follow this link to adjust your account… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/account/logistics

League Fees

Fees are $365 this year: a $100 deposit earlier this summer plus the remainder of $265 to be paid before taking the ice, both are noted in your personal website Player Account page when you’re signed in.

The MGHA is committed to making hockey accessible to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and funds are available to provide financial assistance to players in need. Need help… please complete our financial assistance form.  If you have any questions, please contact Gene, our treasurer, via email: treasurer@madisongayhockey.org.

✅ ACTION: Pay your league fees at the link… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/product/2024-2025-league-fees/

Preseason Schedule

The preseason schedule is outlined below. Use this as a jumping-off point to sign up for a session each week. You’ll find more details and instructions on each page.

September 8:

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Orientation

If you’re new to the MGHA, you must attend one of our off-ice orientation sessions.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey

This session is for those who are brand new to our league who have never played hockey before. We’ll have coaches and helpers to make sure you succeed. I promise… we’ve got you!

✅ ACTION: Sign up for sessions here: https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2024-preseason-september-8th-sign-up/.

September 15:

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: L2 Player Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L2 players.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey

We continue our session for new MGHAers who have never played hockey before. Similar to the first week, we’ll help you through the basics.

5:40 PM – 6:40 PM: L2 Player Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L2 players.

6:10 PM – 7:10 PM: Orientation (Off-Ice)

If you’re new to the MGHA, you must attend one of our off-ice orientation sessions.

6:10 PM – 7:10 PM: L2-L3 Small Space Drills

Join us for some skills and drills that’ll be designed and led by L3 skaters.

6:50 PM – 7:50 PM: L1 Player Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L1 players.

7:20 PM – 8:20 PM: L3 Player Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L3 players.

✅ ACTION: Sign up for sessions here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2024-preseason-september-15th-sign-ups/

September 22:

L3 evaluations and goalie evaluations will take place. Remember, goalies, new MGHA players, and those moving up a league must attend evaluations. Read the note at the top of this post for more. Other players will have clinics or scrimmages. Choose the one that best suits your skill level.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: L3 Evaluation Scrimmage

L3 evaluations this year will be in scrimmage form as we have so few new players. Remember, new MGHA players, those moving up a league, and those whose feel their skills have improved or gotten worse are required to attend. We will also need other L3 players to round out the evaluation scrimmage.

5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: New-to-Hockey Clinic

This session will be for our skaters who are new to skating or new to hockey. It will be led by experienced coaches. And if you’re still struggling to skate or pass or whatever, don’t worry! Learning a new sport as an adult takes time and you’ve got this!

6:10 PM – 7:40 PM: Goalie Evaluations

Goalies are required to be evaluated. Please plan to attend this session. Specific times will be assigned.

6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: L2 Clinic

This clinic will be geared towards L2 players and will be led by experienced coaches.

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: L1/L2 Clinic

This clinic will be geared towards upper L1 players and lower L2 players and will be led by experienced coaches.

7:50 PM – 8:50 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage

Spend some time with friends across leagues in this L2/L3 scrimmage. Expect the pace to be fast. Please only sign up for this if you feel comfortable skating safely at a higher speed.

8:40 PM – 9:40 PM: L1 Clinic

This clinic is geared towards those in L1. We’ll cover hockey fundamentals. This session will be led by experienced coaches.

✅ ACTION: Sign up for sessions here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2024-preseason-september-22nd-sign-ups/

September 29:

This week will again focus on evaluations. For those who have already been evaluated or do not need evaluations this year, we’ll have opportunities for scrimmage play. Remember, new MGHA players and those moving up a league must attend evaluations. There will be an additional L1 scrimmage slot for those who do not need to be evaluated this year.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: L3 Evaluation Scrimmage

L3 evaluations this year will be in scrimmage form as we have so few new players. Remember, new MGHA players, those moving up a league, and those whose feel their skills have improved or gotten worse are required to attend. We will also need other L3 players to round out the evaluation scrimmage.

5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: L2 Scrimmage (Not Evaluations)

For those L2 players who do not need to be evaluated this year, we’re offering the opportunity to skate in a scrimmage.

5:40 PM – 6:10 PM: L2 Skill Station Evaluations

For those being evaluated to play in L2, please plan to attend this session AND the accompanying scrimmage.

6:10 PM – 7:10 PM: L1 Skill Station Evaluations

L1 evaluations will use skill stations, similar to last season. Please plan to attend on either September 29th or October 6th.

6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: L2 Scrimmage Evaluations

After attending the skill station evaluations, players will move to the other rink for a scrimmage evaluation. Please plan to attend this session AND the accompanying skills stations for L2 evaluations.

7:30 PM – 8:40 PM: L1 Scrimmage (Not Evaluations)

For those L1 players who do not need to be evaluated this year, we’re offering the opportunity to skate in a scrimmage.

✅ ACTION: Sign up for sessions here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2024-preseason-september-29th-sign-ups/

October 6:

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: L1/L2 Skill Station Evaluations

For those being evaluated to play in L2, please plan to attend this session AND the accompanying scrimmage. L1 skaters need only attend the skill station evaluations.

5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: L3 Scrimmage

A scrimmage session for L3 skaters. Please skate in control.

6:10 PM – 7:10 PM: New-to-Hockey Scrimmage

For those who are new to hockey, we’re playing a game! We’ll bring out a referee and we’ll be with you every step of the way. We’ll walk you through how to change lines and where to be on the ice. Have no fear, because this is such a fun week!

6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: L2 Scrimmage Evaluations

For those being evaluated to play in L2, please plan to attend this session AND the accompanying skills stations session.

7:20 PM – 8:20 PM: L1/L2 Scrimmage

Spend some time with friends across leagues in this L1/L2 scrimmage. Pace will be faster than typical L1, but play will be inclusive. This should be reminiscent of the play from the early years of the MGHA where there was only one league instead of three.

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: L1/L2 Scrimmage

Spend some time with friends across leagues in this L1/L2 scrimmage. Pace will be faster than typical L1, but play will be inclusive. This should be reminiscent of the play from the early years of the MGHA where there was only one league instead of three.

✅ ACTION: Sign up for sessions here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2024-preseason-october-6th-sign-ups/

October 13:

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: L3 Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L3 players.

5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: L2 Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L2 players.

6:10 PM – 7:10 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage

Spend some time with friends across leagues in this L2/L3 scrimmage. Expect the pace to be fast. Please skate in control.

6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: L1 Scrimmage (includes all L1 skaters, new and returning)

Our new-to-hockey sessions are over and we’re combining all of our L1 players into a single bucket now. Sign up for either session. Usual scrimmage rules apply.

7:20 PM – 8:20 PM: L1/L2 Scrimmage (includes all L1/L2 skaters, new and returning)

Our new-to-hockey sessions are over and we’re combining all of our L1 players into a single bucket now. Sign up for either session. Usual scrimmage rules apply. L2 players will also be joining, so the session may be a bit faster. Please play inclusively.

✅ ACTION: Sign up for sessions here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2024-preseason-october-13th-sign-ups/

October 20:

It’s team reveal night! We’ll have some on-ice activities throughout the night and at 7:30 PM, we’ll reveal this year’s MGHA teams! Please plan to attend and be on time! Teams will be posted on the website following these events.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: L1 Scrimmage (includes all L1 skaters, new and returning)

Our new-to-hockey sessions are over and we’re combining all of our L1 players into a single bucket now. Sign up for either session. Usual scrimmage rules apply.

5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: L2 Scrimmage

It’s a scrimmage for those who consider themselves L2 skaters.

5:40 PM – 6:40 PM: L1 Scrimmage (includes all L1 skaters, new and returning)

Our new-to-hockey sessions are over and we’re combining all of our L1 players into a single bucket now. Sign up for either session. Usual scrimmage rules apply.

6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: L3 Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L3. Please skate safely and in control.

7:30 PM – 8:15 PM: Team Reveal (Off-Ice on Rink A Bleachers)

It’s time! Let’s find out our teams for the season!

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage

Spend some time with friends across leagues in this L2/L3 scrimmage. Expect the pace to be fast. Please skate in control.

Grab some pizza and snag a spot on the bleachers to bond with new teammates and cheer for players on the ice after team reveal!

✅ ACTION: Sign up for sessions here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2024-team-reveal-october-20th-sign-up/

October 27:

After team reveal, we’ll use the next two weeks to get your team prepared for the season. We’ll also have some other fun on the ice. We’ll outline the schedule in the weeks to come.

5:00 PM – 8:20 PM: L1 Practices

See the schedule page for times for each team.

5:10 PM – 7:20 PM: L2 Practices (4 Teams)

See the schedule page for times for each team.

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: L3 Scrimmage

It’s a scrimmage for L3 players. Please skate safely and in control.

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM: L2 Scrimmage

This scrimmage is reserved for L2 players. Please give priority to those who do not have practice. Those with practice this week may sign up for slots on Sunday.

Note: You do not need to sign up for practices, but it’s helpful to uncheck that you’re attending and to let your captain know if you’re going to miss.

✅ ACTION: Sign up for scrimmages here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2024-preseason-october-27th-scrimmage-sign-up/

November 3:

After team reveal, we’ll use the next two weeks to get your team prepared for the season. We’ll also have some other fun on the ice. We’ll outline the schedule in the weeks to come.

5:00 PM – 7:10 PM: L2 Practices (4 Teams)

See the schedule page for times for each team.

5:10 PM – 7:20 PM: L3 Practices

See the schedule page for times for each team.

7:20 PM – 8:20 PM: All L1 Practice

Players will rotate through stations with coaches teaching hockey basics. There will be more advanced drills for those who want to challenge themselves.

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: L2 Scrimmage

This scrimmage is reserved for L2 players. Please give priority to those who do not have practice. Those with practice this week may sign up for slots on Sunday.

Note: You do not need to sign up for practices, but it’s helpful to uncheck that you’re attending and to let your captain know if you’re going to miss.

✅ ACTION: Sign up for scrimmages here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2024-preseason-november-3rd-scrimmage-sign-up/

November 10:

It’s game time, baby! Regular season games start! The schedule will be revealed during the preseason. Keep an eye on the schedules page of the website.

That’s it! Please be sure that you’ve completed all of the action items above. Once you’ve done that, you can add them to your calendar and show up for preseason festivities! We can’t wait to see you on the ice!

Need help? If anything is missing or confusing on this post, please notify hops@madisongayhockey.org and we’ll help you out.

2023 MGHA Preseason – Team Reveal Night and Scrimmage Sign Up

Schedule

Sign up for one session. If there are spots still available in the 24 hours leading up to sessions, you may sign up for another.

  • 4:30 PM – MGHA Classic-Style Scrimmage (L1 and L2 Welcome!), Rink B
  • 5:10 PM – L1 Style Scrimmage, Rink A
  • 5:40 PM – L2 Style Scrimmage, Rink B
  • 6:20 PM – L3 Style Scrimmage, Rink A
  • 7:40 PM – TEAM REVEAL
  • 8:30 PM – L2 Style Scrimmage, Rink A

Sign up for 10/15 - Team Reveal Night

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Week 2 – New To MGHA Clinics

 

OFF ICE SCHEDULE

3:30 PM – Welcome to MGHA Orientation

Led by Amanda T., This is required for every new MGHA player, regardless of skill level. If you attended last week, you don’t have to go this week. 

4:30 – 5PM – Locker Room 101: Getting Dressed

Mentors can join to help.

6:15 – 7:15 PM – Hockey 101

In the lobby, led by Tim T., for new-to-hockey folks, a comprehensive “chalk-talk” about the sport.

2022 Orientation Week 2 - New-To-MGHA Clinics

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Schedule Change for 3/27

Hey everyone,

I got a call from Trent at Cap Ice with some bad news yesterday. Cap Ice has to bring down Rink A due to some ice quality concerns. It will be back for games on April 3. That means we (myself and the Board) have had to scramble to come up with a plan for this week. We realize that there is no plan that will be good for everyone so, please know, that we’re doing our best to make this as fair as possible.


Let me outline the plan below first. I’ll then outline the reasoning behind our decisions. There are some things we need from you and I’ll outline those in RED below. Please read those!


Here we go!


NEW SCHEDULE:


Sunday 3/27

3:50 PM – L2 – Yellow vs Red

5:00 PM – L1 – Green vs Black

6:10 PM – L2 – Black vs Light Blue

7:20 PM – L2 – White vs Purple

8:30 PM – L1 – Light Blue vs White


Monday 3/28

6:30 PM – L1 – Orange vs Red

7:40 PM – L1 – Purple vs Yellow


REASONS:

We only had a very short window to make these choices. Our decisions were made for the following reasons:

  • Our aim was minimal displacement even though our Sunday available ice went from 2 sheets to 1 sheet.
  • L1 games were placed on Monday night because we have more players in L1 and more sub potential to fill any slots of those who can’t make it.
  • L1 games were also placed on Monday because several of our L2 players are referees and have volunteered to officiate those games, meaning we don’t need to find refs.
  • The games that were moved to Monday were chosen because of their game times in proximity to the other games on the other sheet of ice to minimize disruption to those teams.
  • L2 Yellow vs Red was moved to 3:50 because the game was originally going to be at 4:30 and that was the smallest displacement out of all of that night’s original slots (40 minutes).
  • L2 Black vs Light Blue and L2 White vs Purple were pushed back 30 minutes, which is also a small displacement.
  • Keeping these game times allowed us to keep the referees in place that were already scheduled. We only need to solicit referees for the 3:50 PM game, now.
  • We prioritized having games over canceling games, even though that meant using ice time on a non-league day (Monday).
  • We considered scrimmages for L1 or L2, but we’ve done so many scrimmage nights so far this season that we didn’t want to do another when we had the option to avoid it. We also didn’t think it was fair to have one league play an extra game over the other.

I’m sure there were a few more. Please know that we understand that not everyone can make a Monday night game. We apologize for that. This was a really, really hard decision to make. We’re doing the best we can with the hand we’ve unfortunately been dealt. So again, we’re really sorry if you, now, cannot make your game due to these changes.


SUBBING

It’s going to be VERY IMPORTANT that we have lots of sub volunteers for this week, especially for the Monday night games. Please consider signing up to sub. The sub desk email will go out at its normal time on Sunday at noon.

  • SIGN UP TO SUB BEFORE SUNDAY AT 11 AM. DO THIS AT www.madisongayhockey.org. (Note: The teams and schedule page currently only lists Sunday’s games.)

ABSENCES
If you previously marked yourself absent for a game on Sunday, please review the schedule and adjust your absence on the website. Also, if you cannot make your game now, please mark yourself as absent. The sub desk email will go out at noon on Sunday for all games, including Monday night’s.

  • MARK YOURSELF AS ABSENT (OR NOT ABSENT) BY SUNDAY AT 11 AM. DO THIS AT www.madisongayhockey.org. (Note: The teams and schedule page currently only lists Sunday’s games.)

SCOREBOX
We will need volunteers for two scorebox shifts. Please, please help us with this. The other shifts will be assigned.

ON DUTY
Sunday’s on-duty shift will be Katy Werginz with some extra help filling in while Katy is playing her game. Monday’s on-duty shift will be covered by Gene Zadzilka. Should you have any problems while at the rink on those days, seek them out.


I think that’s it. Again, please know that this decision was a difficult one and we know that it’s not perfectly fair to everyone. Hopefully you can understand the decision we’ve made.


Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email board@madisongayhockey.org.


Thanks!

Tim

(on behalf of myself and the Board)

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Scorebox Signup for 3/27 and 3/28

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