NEW LEAGUE OFFERS EXPERIENCE FOR BUSY PLAYERS

Written by: Keith Noll  

Blaine, Minn. (September 16, 2013) – Registration is now open for a unique new hockey league based in the Twin Cities. The Herb Brooks XL Hockey League is designed to appeal to 13-18 year olds who have played hockey and still enjoy playing the game, but are busy with activities, school and just don’t have time to commit to a full-time youth hockey schedule.

The league will offer an organized, fun, non-threatening, no-check hockey game once a week, to allow student athletes to continue playing hockey while also allowing them to focus on another sports, academics, and family activities.

The Herb Brooks Foundation is backing the league as part of their mission to increase opportunities in hockey, for players at all skill levels.

“We recognize that children have diverse interests, and there are many children who still love hockey and are motivated to play who just can’t commit to a full-time youth hockey schedule,” said Herb Brooks Foundation Executive Director John McClellan. “This league is designed to meet the needs of kids who still want to play hockey, but only once a week.”

The Herb Brooks XL League is aiming to field 16 teams this fall across the Twin Cities metro area. The teams will be open to 13-18 year olds and is designed for former players that still love the game and would like to keep playing but not at the 4-5 times per week that many programs demand.

“There are lots of hockey players at different levels,” said McClellan. “We felt there wasn’t an existing program to meet the needs of these players. We’re optimistic that we’ll get a great response.”

It will be a no-check league, offering 14 games and three pre-season practice sessions during a season that starts in late November and ends in March.  The games will be played at Mariucci and Ridder Arenas on the University of Minnesota campus, with the end-of-the-season tournament to be played at the Schwan Super Rink on the National Sports Center campus in Blaine. The league is open to both boys and girls. 

Certified officials will be employed at all games and team standings will be kept.  All games will be scheduled late Sunday afternoon or early evening. The registration fee includes an AAU membership, which includes insurance as a benefit.  There are no additional costs.  Proper equipment is a requirement. The league will provide individual jerseys for the players to keep.

Full teams can register. Registration is open to small groups, or individuals, and the league will place players on teams based on the area they are from.

To register for the Herb Brooks XL Hockey League visit the Programs section of the Herb Brooks Foundation website at: www.herbbrooksfoundation.com.

For more information, contact Josh Leddy, League Director, at 763.458.0568, josh@xlhockeyleague.com.

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