Category: Announcements

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/

MGHA Town Hall Meeting – March 11th, 6:30pm

Hey MGHA! Our mid-season Town Hall Meeting is coming up next week! This year will be a virtual town hall, from 6:30-8pm on Tuesday, March 11th! For those new around here, the Town Hall Meeting is a chance for the MGHA Board and other league organizers to share a little about what we have been working on this year, and a chance for you to bring your questions, suggestions, and ideas for the rest of this season and beyond! 

If you can’t make it, don’t worry! We will send out the notes in an email update, and you’re always welcome to contact the Board or leave anonymous feedback in our website feedback form if you have ideas you want to share! Here’s what to expect from the evening:

2024-2025 MGHA Virtual Town Hall

Tuesday, March 11th: 6:30 – 8pm (Link will be sent prior to meeting date)

6:30 – 7pm: League updates and announcements!

  • Quick introduction of the MGHA organizing groups
  • Highlights from the 2024-2025 season so far
  • Events recap and announcements
  • Financial update
  • Reminder about our annual meeting in May – become an MGHA member!

7 – 7:15pm: Tournament Jerseys

  • It’s been an ongoing topic, the creation of a “league” jersey that can be used when MGHA players form a team in an out-of-town tournament

7:15 – 7:45pm: League Expansion Discussion

  • Survey responses, present initial concepts/plan ideas for what an expansion might look like
  • Solicit feedback

7:15 – 7:45pm: Open discussion, the “ask us anything!” part of the evening!

  • Bring your questions, discussion suggestions, feedback, friendship, etc.

7:45 – 8pm: Wrapping up. 

See you soon!

Sign up for MGHA Super Bowl Scrimmages – February 9th 2025

Super Bowl Sunday is even *better* with hockey!

  • Rink A
    • 5:10 PM – 6:20 PM: L1+L2 Scrimmage
    • 6:20 PM – 7:20 PM: L2+L3 Scrimmage
  • Rink B
    • 5:20 PM – 6:20 PM: Goalie Curious Clinic (1/3 ice) + Open Stick and Puck (2/3 ice)
      • Coaches are available for tips!
    • 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: L1+L2 Scrimmage

Please sign up for ONE scrimmage only.

If there are spots open within 24 hours of ice time, you may sign up for more. HOPs will move folks around if needed.

NOTE: We are asking a couple captains to sign up to help 1) open/close the box and move supplies to/from the rink, 2) start scrimmages, and 3) balance sides as needed. Thanks!

Sign up for Super Bowl Scrimmage Night

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Sign up for MGHA HoliGays – December 1st 2024

11/28 Update: Scheduling miscommunication, Cap Ice only had us down for one hour on Rink B. So let’s all hop on the ice for some puck-handling practice alongside the Goalie-Curious clinic!

Thanksgiving Sunday, December 1st

5:00-6:00 PM: Goalie Curious Clinic, 1/3 of the ice

  • Are you interested in *trying* goalie *maybe* just this *one* time?
  • Satisfy your curiosity with the help of experienced goalies who will teach the basics during this clinic.

5:00-6:00 PM: Shooting/Passing/Puck-handling Practice, 2/3 of the ice

  • Led by Avery and Christina L.

6PM-Onward: Social at an MGHA Sponsor – join for a drink and bite nearby the rink!

Sign up for 12/1 - Thanksgiving

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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

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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

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2024 Team Reveal – October 20th Sign Up

NOTE: All players are welcome these scrimmages to get to know others at your level *just* before teams are revealed. We encourage you to attend team reveal night <3 and will post rosters on the website *after* these events.

Rink A:
4:30 – 5:30 PM: L1 Scrimmage

5:40 – 6:40 PM: L1 Scrimmage

7:30 – 8:30 PM:
🎉 Team Reveal 🎉
– The entire league will be together to announce rosters and meet your team IRL.
Rink B:

5:10 – 6:10 PM: L2 Scrimmage

6:20 – 7:20 PM: L3 Scrimmage

8:30 – 9:30 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage
– Stick around to watch with your new team!
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 10/20 - Team Reveal Scrimmages

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2024 Preseason – October 13th Sign Ups

NOTE: Bring a light and dark jersey to scrimmages. You can sign up for a side but may have to switch sides to balance rosters.

Rink A:
5:00 – 6:00 PM: L3 Scrimmage

6:10 – 7:10 PM: L2/L3 Scrimmage

7:20 – 8:20 PM:
L1/L2 Scrimmage
– For both new and returning players.

Rink B:

5:10 – 6:10 PM: L2 Scrimmage

6:20 – 7:20 PM: L1 Scrimmage
– For both new and returning players.

7:30 – 8:30 PM: Flex Ice Time
– Likely not needed. Will adjust as necessary.
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 10/13 - Preseason

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