Category: Announcements

2025 Preseason – October 5th 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 the day of the event, you may sign up for a second clinic or scrimmage.

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 ARink B
4:10 – 5:10 PM: L3 Scrimmage

5:20 – 6:20 PM: New-to-Hockey Scrimmage
-Led by coaches, designed for new players learn essential hockey rules.

6:30 – 7:30 PM: New-to-Hockey Scrimmage
-Led by coaches, designed for new players learn essential hockey rules.

7:40 – 8:40 PM: L1/L2 Scrimmage		5:00 – 6:00 PM: L1/L2 Skills Evaluations
-A skills evaluation is required for those who are new to the MGHA, have been away for a year, have leveled up their skills, or are hoping to move from a lower level to L2.

6:10 – 7:10 PM: L2 Evaluation Scrimmage
-This session is required for those being evaluated for L2. If being evaluated for L2, please attend BOTH a skills evaluation and a scrimmage evaluation.

7:20 – 8:20 PM: L1/L2 Scrimmage

8:30 – 9:30 PM: L2/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 10/5 - Preseason

You must log in to sign up.


2025 Preseason – September 28th 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 the day of the event, you may sign up for a second clinic or scrimmage.

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 ARink B
5:00 – 7:10 PM: L1/L2 Skills Evaluations
-A skills evaluation is required for those who are new to the MGHA, have been away for a year, have leveled up their skills, or are hoping to move from a lower level to L2.

7:20 – 8:20 PM: L3 Evaluation Scrimmage
-One evaluation scrimmage is required for those new to the MGHA or those moving from a lower level to L3.

7:30 – 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.		5:10 – 6:10 PM: L2 Scrimmage
-This is NOT an evaluation scrimmage. Those being evaluated for L2 should attend BOTH the skills evaluation and the evaluation scrimmage at 6:20 PM.

6:20 – 7:20 PM: L2 Evaluation Scrimmage
-This session is required for those being evaluated for L2. If being evaluated for L2, please attend BOTH a skills evaluation and a scrimmage evaluation.

7:30 – 8:30 PM: L1 Scrimmage
-This is NOT an evaluation scrimmage. Those being evaluated for L1 need only attend the skills 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.

Sign Up for 9/28 - Preseason

You must log in to sign up.


2025 Preseason – September 21st 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 the day of the event, you may sign up for a second clinic or scrimmage.

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 ARink B
4:00 – 5:00 PM: Orientation
-All new players are required to attend one orientation session.

4:00 – 5:00 PM: L2 Clinic
-Led by experienced skaters.

5:10 – 6:10 PM: L3 Player Evaluation
-One evaluation scrimmage is required for those new to the MGHA or those moving from a lower level to L3.

6:20 – 8:30 PM: Goalie Evaluations
-All goalies are required to be evaluated, though not required to be in attendance for the entire two hours. Schedule to be announced soon.

8:40- 9:40 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage
5:20 – 6:20 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey Clinic
-Coach-led clinic for new players in a low pressure environment.

6:30 – 7:30 PM: New-to-Skating / New-to-Hockey Clinic
-Coach-led clinic for new players in a low pressure environment.

7:40 – 8:40 PM: L1 Clinic
-Led by experienced skaters.

8:50 – 9:50 PM: L1/L2 Clinic
-Led by experienced skaters.
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 9/21 - Preseason

You must log in to sign up.


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 the day of 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

You must log in to sign up.


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

You must log in to sign up.


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:

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: 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.

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: L3 Evaluation Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for those hoping to play in L3 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 for sessions here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2025-preseason-september-21st-sign-ups/

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. 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 players needing to be evaluated should attend the skills evaluations and the evaluation scrimmage.
  • L3 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 Skills Evaluations

This session is for L1 and 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 to a higher level are required to participate in evaluations.

5:10 PM – 6:10 PM: L2 Scrimmage

Join us for a clinic led by our coaches.

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: L3 Evaluation Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for those hoping to play in L3 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.

🟥 ACTION: Sign up for sessions here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2025-preseason-september-28th-sign-ups/

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!

All events this week will be at L20 Middleton.

4:10 PM – 5:10 PM: L3 Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L3 players.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: L1/L2 Skills Evaluations

This session is for L1 and 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 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 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.

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: L1/L2 Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L1 and L2 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: L2/L3 Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L2 and L3 players.

🟥 ACTION: Sign up for sessions here… https://www.madisongayhockey.org/2025-preseason-october-5th-sign-ups/

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.

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.

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L2 and L3 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.

7:40 PM – 8:40 PM: L1/L2 Scrimmage

This is a scrimmage for L1 and L2 players.

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Overflow Scrimmage

Based on sign-ups, this slot will become a scrimmage with whatever level is needed.

🟥 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.

All events this week will be at L20 Middleton.

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.

2025-2026 League Deposit Open

Deposits for the 2025-2026 season are open!

The deposit secures your spot in the league for the upcoming season. The full cost of the season will be $375 ($100 deposit, remaining $275 due before you set foot on the ice). The cost of ice is going up (as it always does), but the planned expansion to DeForest this season is actually keeping the cost down.

As always: cost should not be a barrier to playing hockey with us! If it is, reach out – we have a financial aid program to help make the cost of playing hockey easier. If you want to play with us but need some time to figure out the finances, that’s fine! Let us know and we’ll hold your spot in the league.

(the PayPal interface is new, and there are still a few kinks to work out with it, so don’t worry if there’s a delay in seeing the “you’ve secured your spot in the league!” message on your profile)

-Kriona, on behalf of the MGHA Board

2024-2025 MGHA All the Way Award Winners

Here are this year’s winners and the nice things their teams had to say about them! Congrats to all the winners!

brat but it’s a hockey team – Logan Anderson On a positive team with a web of support amongst the players, it’s difficult to choose. Logan was one of our players who switched from L1, which is a big leap, and worked hard to successfully integrate into L2. But beyond his positive energy, Jayne Gretzky helped raise funds for the league at the annual Turnabout show, benefiting all league members and Classic participants. Logan all the way!

bRed – Sarah Quinn Mehrkens Quinn exemplifies the MGHA all the way. She brings a certain joie de vivre to the locker room and bench. She is always positive and supportive of her teammates. She was willing to play any position (except goalie, but who can blame her there). And, she has the best bread-related cheers! We are a better team for having her on it.

Dark Magic – Tevis Linser Tevis always brings a great attitude to the games, he is a very skilled player who does a great job incorporating his teammates into the game.

GeriHattricks – John Stephany He’s tall and he makes every game fun, no matter what the score is. John has been a consistently positive teammate both on the ice and on the bench. It’s great to hear his encouragement from the bench during the game!

Homo Depot – Sonny Graves Sonny has infectious energy and always cheering loudly to encourage teammates!

Ice-O-Topes – Anna Celaya Anna is an unselfish player who really models the MGHA way! She consistently sets up teammates for scoring opportunities, even when she could be taking shots herself. She’s been willing to step in and help coach the team when captains are gone and she was one of the first people to volunteer to bake treats for the team! A rockstar!

IceKEA – Jude Delinger Jude has grown astronomically in confidence throughout the season, and is always such a positive presence in the locker room and on the bench.

Mustard Militia – Travis Kraemer Travis shows up to every game and practice ready to play and is willing to play any position. Travis is quick on his skates, knows his positioning, and is a great teammate!

Oops! All Kermits! – Sam Hess Sam is the embodiment of Kermit spirit, from making sure our mascot’s there to cheer us on, to coming up with on-theme pre-period chants. Not to mention always being a supportive teammate, from locker-room to bench to on-ice and beyond. It’s been a delight to be on Sam’s team this year, and see the life he brings to the team. For Miss Piggy!

Peppermint Patties – Erich Manthey Erich is not only a talented goalie, but he’s a chill guy on and off the ice. He’s passionate, but doesn’t get overly intense or down on himself or teammates. He’s been a positive force all season through wins and losses, and he’s always the first to lift up his teammates between periods.

Pineapples Under the Sea – Rob Kalejta Rob was not a named captain for our team this year, but he provided a lot of leadership by example. In addition to directing traffic and creating lots of opportunities for us on the ice, he also helped keep us organized and accountable to our team strategies by consistently communicating with teammates during line changes. We appreciate how well he exemplified the MGHA Way!

The Pollinators – Gloria Ambrowiak Gloria is always happy, willing to play anywhere, and sub for other teams that need help. Gloria is continuously learning and generous with the puck, a fantastic teammate and human!

Red W(h)ine Supernova – Alpha Boldhart Alpha is the friendliest and most enthusiastic human!! I have been on a team with them multiple times now, and every time they are the player who makes me feel the most welcome, and brings the best energy into the locker room and on the ice. They have excellent on-ice dance moves and truly make the league fun to play in. I am so grateful every time I am on a team with them!!

Rink Pony Club – Jen Gihring Jen always has a positive, upbeat energy and is fun to be around. She makes everyone feel at ease and gives us lots of laughs!She always brought the energy to our games. Jen is a great player and teammate!

RoyalTeas – Emma Carroll Emma is a wonderful player to have on the team, and a fierce defense keeping our team strong!

Tealetubbies – Abi Conners Abi had a stellar first year in the MGHA. She has a positive attitude and encouraging outlook. She gives detailed feedback and coached us to see our growth in each small moment. Her dedication to supporting individuals, fostering teamwork, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued makes her an irreplaceable asset. She goes  “all the way” to ensure that the game remains enjoyable for everyone involved. Thanks for being you, Abi!

We All Scream – AJ Rezin AJ is an absolute light on our team. They also are a leader. From organizing our team’s group chat, making sure our locker room playlist was on point, hosting a cookie decorating party during the holidays with our team, and staying late after every game just to chat with their fellow teammates – AJ brings positivity to everything they do – and truly makes it fun to be on the ice every Sunday. As a new player to the MGHA this year, they quickly learned what the MGHA way meant, and exuded that in everything they did this year!

Yeti to Rumble – Mandy Morrow Mandy is overall a great captain. She was very efficient with her emails which included hockey videos on positioning, which helped me learn my position better. I admire how willing she is to share her knowledge, lead others, and help coach and assist other players. She shows the MGHA way all the way!

League Expansion [with a request] + Town Hall notes

First and foremost:
We’re planning on expanding to a second rink in DeForest on Sunday nights next season. We discussed this at the Town Hall earlier this month and voted on the proposal (90.2% in favor).

The majority of games will still be at L20 Middleton (fka Cap Ice), but everyone will play some games in DeForest. In addition to letting us expand by (at least) 4 teams, it will also let us get rid of the late-late time slot.

We’re looking to get an idea of which levels to expand next year. As part of that, we want to ask early – if you are planning on playing next season, what skill level do you want to play at? This doesn’t secure your spot (paying the deposit when it becomes available secures your spot), but it does help us with planning. I cleared out everybody’s answer for “Which of our skill based leagues would you prefer to play in this season?“, so please fill that in again for next season.

The request – tell us your skill level preference:
https://www.madisongayhockey.org/account/logistics

OK, on to other stuff.

Town Hall highlights:

  • The league is mostly running smoothly this season.
  • Our finances are in a good spot, we’re working on the 501c issue.
  • We’ll have summer ice (skills + clinics) from June – August.
  • We’re putting together a Player’s Handbook outlining the MGHA Way across all skill levels.
  • We’re decided to do a “career fair” and a potluck at championship night (next Sunday!!).
  • The Wisconsin Historical Society wants objects from the MGHA.
  • We’re considering getting tournament jerseys (to lend to folks when people from the MGHA play in other tournaments).

In case you’re interested in further reading, here are some notes:

-Kriona, on behalf of the board

ALL THE WAY AWARDS – Nominate a teammate!

TL;DR Please fill out All the Way Awardnomination for your team by Wednesday 3/12 https://forms.gle/NdioQEvKhnvU4JHD7

Hard to believe the end of the season is coming up in a few weeks. That means it’s time to pick a player on your team for the MGHA All the Way Award! The All The Way Award is awarded to the player on your team who you think best highlights the MGHA Way. This might be a new player who showed up and gave it their all with a smile despite having never having skated before, an advanced player who led your team both on and off the ice, a returning player who made everyone in your locker room feel welcome and included, the person who always cheered the loudest on your bench, the player who had the most heart or the most assists. It might be you! There are purposely lots of ways to interpret this. Who made your season better? Who on your team best exemplified the mission and spirit of the MGHA? Submit your nomination by end of day Wednesday March 12th https://forms.gle/NdioQEvKhnvU4JHD7

The survey has 3 questions (plus one optional) and the nice things you say about your teammate may be published in a post and possibly read out loud on Championship Night (3/30)!

Examples of previous nominations:

{Player} was new to the league this year, but immediately took to the concept of playing the MGHA way. As an experienced player, they quickly learned how to adjust their play style, and always worked collaboratively with their linemates to help create plays. On the bench and in the locker room, {player} was always upbeat and inclusive. They even dyed their hair blue to match our team’s jerseys!

{Player} exemplifies a team player. They volunteered to play whatever position was needed even though they preferred defense. Over and over they quietly explained the MGHA way, making everyone feel welcome and giving them a chance to succeed. 

Here is last season’s post about the winners for more examples https://www.madisongayhockey.org/all-the-way-award-winners-2023-2024/