Minnesota Junior Hockey League

If the mission of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League could be summed up in one idea, it is to promote the potential of hockey players of all walks of life. We are an organization full of dedicated individuals providing support for them to excel at their position both on and off the ice. Not only do we provide the chance for players to increase their skills, confidence, and ability we provide the same chance for coaches and referees.

This league may be classified as a development league for college and higher level leagues and to us that is a compliment. Without this league thousands of players would end their career after high school, seeing no room to excel without being accepted to a college program.

It is within this concept of shaping where the billet families play an important role as well. Any family structure is encouraged by the league in their respected community to provide a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to live. Some players are hundreds of miles away from their home; some even need passports to get back. Regardless of where the players come from, the Minnesota Junior Hockey league would not exist without the billet family program.

Each team within the Minnesota Junior Hockey League showcases a community full of support with the coaching staff, volunteers and citizens. Each town offers many opportunities for players to excel off the ice whether it is through college coursework, employment, or volunteer work. We promote players to find what they are passionate about and take it to the next level, no matter what their goals are. Instead of looking at this time in their lives as only focused on hockey, they can flourish, building a solid foundation for the next step in their lives.

The Minnesota Junior Hockey League is proud of every individual to have a hand in this organization, because we see so much dedication from them. This is where we are building our strong foundation. We hope to be a dynamic part of players’ lives because of this and why we strive to learn from our mistakes and push forward.

In the past six months, the Minnesota Junior Hockey League has achieved many goals that they are excited to showcase in the upcoming season:

1. The addition of the Director of Player and Coaching Development, Tom Brower. This position focuses on driving the development of the player and coaching staff of the ice, providing programs such as college coursework and guidance to coaches.

2. We would like to congratulate Rich Rakness on being appointed the new commissioner for the league. In this position he organizes regular meetings with the General Managers and keeps the league on task.

3. Dean Brandt has agreed to take the lead with the Referrees as the MNJHL Director of Officials.

4. The addition of our Mission Statement and an Alumni Section on the MNJHL website will give our viewers the chance to understand our philosophies on junior hockey and see past season players and where they are now.

5. The addition the Dells Ducks, an organization in the Wisconsin Dells area that will be sure to bring a new dynamic to the league and the Maple Grove Energy, under the tutelage of Cal Ballard, an experienced coach and human resources expert, will add a new dynamic to the league.

It is in this reorganization that we hope to create a richer experience for any player and keep our goal of development at front and center. In any league there is room for improvement but we continue to go forward and be proud of our accomplishments.

Our promise to you the player: The MNJHL's mission is to engage and challenge the student athlete in all areas of development within a constructive, supportive environment.

by Amanda Marie Liesinger

The Minnesota Junior Hockey League, a USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior A league boasting seven teams in Minnesota and Wisconsin, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate hockey.