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.
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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: For the 2026-2027 season, level definitions are changing and we’re introducing a new level. Click to learn more.
Last year, our league size skyrocketed from 18 to 24 teams. This year, we’re poised to expand by another two teams!
For the 2026-2027 season, we’re renaming our levels. Read on for what’s changing, why, and what it means for you.
What’s Changing?
After coordination with the Board, Hockey Operations has decided to change the levels for the 2026-2027 season to L1/L2/L3/L4. Here’s what to expect with each:
- L1: Very similar to L1 from the previous years. No major changes.
- L2: The bottom half, skill-wise, of our previous L2 level. You can expect more experienced players, but at a pace in between last year’s L1 and L2.
- L3: The top half, skill-wise, of our previous L2 level. You can expect players who can skate more in control and have some hockey experience. Play will be faster. You must be able to skate in control.
- L4: This will be the equivalent of last year’s L3. The goal is for L4 to remain the same as last year’s L3, skill-wise.
These levels will be self-selected. Choose the levels where you would feel most comfortable. Unless you opt to check multiple checkboxes on your profile, Hockey Operations will NOT be choosing your level for you (outside of an initial assessment of those who already have selected their levels online for the 2026-2027 season). HOps does, however, reserve the right to move you from a level if we do not feel that you can safely skate in that level.
For those who have already selected their skill level online (thank you), we will do the following. If you have chosen:
- L1: We will leave this option selected.
- L2: We will attempt to select either L2, L3, or both, based on your evaluated skill level.
- L3: We will change your option to L4.
You can always change your requested skill level up until the Sunday before team creation. That date and information will be released soon.
ACTION: The website has been updated with these new levels. Please update your level preference now on your profile page. Be sure to sign in.
Why the change?
We have heard a few pain points over the last few years and we think this is the best way to address them. Here are some of the challenges we’re trying to overcome:
- Bulging at the Middle: Our league has always been sort of a bell curve when it comes to skill. We have some people at both ends (beginners and super skilled) and a ton of people in the middle.
- Wide Range of Skills in Each Level: L2 has become a land where we have skaters who have years of experience alongside some who have just graduated from L1 and are still learning. It’s also difficult to balance teams with such a wide range of skill levels. Having an extra level means skating with more like-skilled players. This means a safer experience, as well.
- Running Out of Colors: If we add more teams to L2, we don’t have a great option for color combinations. We want to keep our jerseys colorblind-friendly and adding more teams makes that challenging.
- Better Stepping Stones: It can be a challenge to make the leap from L1 to L2 because L2 has such a wide swath of skill levels. By introducing a new level, we can bridge that gap a little better.
- Previous 4-Level Success: The tournament has had success with using a 4-level system in the past and we are confident that its success will translate to the full season.
One more thing: cross-level subbing will continue to be permitted. Subs are chosen based on skill level and you will always be subbing for a like-skilled player.
Change is hard and we’re going to do our best to make this transition as seamless as possible. If you have questions or are unsure about anything, please reach out and we’ll help as best we can.
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.
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, L4, 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 $385 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 Chris, our treasurer, via email: treasurer@madisongayhockey.org.
🟥 ACTION: Pay your league fees at the link… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/product/2026-2027-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
Look in the top-right corner of the page for a checklist of tasks. Be sure to complete them all!
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 13:
4:30 PM – 5:30 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!
There are no sign-ups for this session. New-to-skating and new-to-hockey players please show up for orientation and the clinic.
September 20:
All events this week will be at L20 Middleton.
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: L3 Player Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L3 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: L3-L4 Small Space Drills
Join us for some skills and drills that’ll be designed and led by experienced coaches.
7:50 PM – 8:50 PM: L2 Player Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L2 players.
8:40 PM – 9:40 PM: L4 Player Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L4 players.
🟥 ACTION: Sign up coming soon!
September 27:
L4 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.
All events this week will be at L20 Middleton.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Orientation (Off-Ice)
If you’re new to the MGHA, you must attend one of our off-ice orientation sessions.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: L2 Clinic
Join us for a clinic led by our coaches.
5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: L4 Evaluation Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for those hoping to play in L4 this season. Evaluations are required for those who are new to the MGHA, have been away for more than two years, have had changes in skill, or are moving from a lower level.
5:20 PM – 6:20 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.
6:20 PM – 8:30 PM: Goalie Evaluations
All goalies are required to be evaluated. The schedule for when goalies need to attend will be shared soon. You will not need to be there for the entire two hours.
6:30 PM – 7:30 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.
7:40 PM – 8:40 PM: L1 Clinic
Join us for a clinic led by our coaches.
8:40 PM – 9:40 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L2 and L3 players.
8:50 PM – 9:50 PM: L1/L2 Clinic
Join us for a clinic led by our coaches.
🟥 ACTION: Sign up coming soon!
October 4:
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 (from L1 to L2 or L3, from L2 or L3 to L4) must attend evaluations. A makeup session will be available the following week for those who cannot make it.
- L1 players needing to be evaluated should attend the skills evaluations.
- L2/L3 players needing to be evaluated should attend the skills evaluations and the evaluation scrimmage.
- L4 players needing to be evaluated should attend the evaluation scrimmage.
All events this week will be at L20 Middleton.
5:00 PM – 7:10 PM: L1/L2/L3 Skills Evaluations
This session is for L1, L2, and L3 players who are in need of evaluations. Remember, those who are new to the league, have been away, have leveled up skill-wise, or are moving from a lower level to a higher level are required to participate in evaluations.
5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: L3 Evaluation Scrimmage
This scrimmage is for L3 players who are in need of evaluations. Remember, those who are new to the league, have been away, have leveled up skill-wise, or are moving from a lower level are required to participate in evaluations.
6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: L2 Evaluation Scrimmage
This scrimmage is for L2 players who are in need of evaluations. Remember, those who are new to the league, have been away, have leveled up skill-wise, or are moving from a lower level are required to participate in evaluations.
7:20 PM – 8:20 PM: L4 Evaluation Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for those hoping to play in L4 this season. Evaluations are required for those who are new to the MGHA, have been away for more than two years, have had changes in skill, or are moving from a lower level.
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Hockey 101 (Off Ice)
Join Tim for this off-ice session where he’ll take you through the basics of hockey. We’ll tackle everything from faceoffs to positions to offsides and icing in this session.
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: L1 Scrimmage (Not Evaluations)
This is a scrimmage for L1 players who do not need to take part in evaluations.
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage (Not Evaluations)
This is a scrimmage for L2 and L3 players who do not need to take part in evaluations.
🟥 ACTION: Sign up coming soon!
October 11:
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!
All events this week will be at L20 Middleton.
4:10 PM – 5:10 PM: L4 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L4 players.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: L1/L2/L3 Skills Evaluations
This session is for L1, L2, and L3 players who are in need of evaluations. Remember, those who are new to the league, have been away, have leveled up skill-wise, or are moving from a lower level to a higher level are required to participate in evaluations.
5:20 PM – 6:20 PM: New-to-Hockey Scrimmage
Our new MGHAers get to play their first scrimmage. We’ll spend time together on the ice in a game-like environment. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know. So exciting!
6:10 PM – 7:10 PM: L2/L3 Evaluation Scrimmage
This scrimmage is for L2 and L3 players who are in need of evaluations. Remember, those who are new to the league, have been away, have leveled up skill-wise, or are moving from a lower level are required to participate in evaluations.
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: New-to-Hockey Scrimmage
Our new MGHAers get to play their first scrimmage. We’ll spend time together on the ice in a game-like environment. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know. So exciting!
7:20 PM – 8:20 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L2 and L3 players.
7:40 PM – 8:40 PM: L1/L2 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L1 and L2 players.
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM: L3/L4 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L3 and L4 players.
🟥 ACTION: Sign up coming soon!
October 18:
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.
All events this week will be at L20 Middleton.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: L2 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L2 players.
5:20 PM – 6:20 PM: L3 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L3 players.
6:10 PM – 7:10 PM: L1 Scrimmage (New and Returning)
This is a scrimmage for all L1 players, both new and returning to the MGHA. For those who are new to hockey, you’ll be amongst friends, so don’t worry!
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: L4 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L4 players.
7:20 PM – 8:20 PM: L1 Scrimmage (New and Returning)
This is a scrimmage for all L1 players, both new and returning to the MGHA. For those who are new to hockey, you’ll be amongst friends, so don’t worry!
7:40 PM – 8:40 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L2 and L3 players.
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Overflow Scrimmage
Based on sign-ups, this slot may become a scrimmage with whatever level is needed.
🟥 ACTION: Sign up coming soon!
October 25:
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. There might even be more exciting surprises as we celebrate our 20th season!
All events this week will be at L20 Middleton.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: L1 Scrimmage (New and Returning)
This is a scrimmage for all L1 players, both new and returning to the MGHA.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: L2 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L2 players.
5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: L4 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L4 players.
6:10 PM – 7:10 PM: L1 Scrimmage (New and Returning)
This is a scrimmage for all L1 players, both new and returning to the MGHA.
6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: L3 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L3 players.
7:10 PM – 7:40 PM: Stick and Puck
All MGHA players are welcome to come and practice all things hockey!
7:45 PM – 8:30 PM: Team Reveal
Learn your MGHA teams for the season! Don’t be late!
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage
This is a scrimmage for L2 and L3 skaters.
🟥 ACTION: Sign up coming soon!
November 1:
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.
Official practices are visible here: https://www.madisongayhockey.org/teams-schedule/
🟥 ACTION: Sign up coming soon!
November 8:
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.
Official practices are visible here: https://www.madisongayhockey.org/teams-schedule/
🟥 ACTION: Sign up coming soon!
November 15:
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.