Salad Classic Tournament

September 11-13, 2026

The TCQHA Salad Classic is a fun adult no-check hockey tournament. Players include members of the Twin Cities Queer Hockey Association, and LGBTQIA+ players from all over the world. This is an opportunity for TCQHA players to share the TCQHA spirit and mission with the wider hockey community and other LGBTQIA+ hockey associations.

**Rules and structure of the tournament are subject to change based on final registration totals.

Primary Host Arena

Parade Ice Garden

(600 Kenwood Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55403)

Additional Rinks (if necessary):

St Louis Park Rec Center

Breck Ice Arena

When

Games are Friday, September 11th, 2026 through Sunday, September 13th, 2026.

*Games may be scheduled anytime between 9am and 9pm on Friday and Saturday. Sunday games are planned to end by 4pm.

Events

The weekend will be full of a variety of different queer events for all ages and interests. More details to come!!

For 2026:

Thursday night Opening Party.
Friday and Saturday meetups in fun and diverse locations
Farewell Party on Sunday after all games are complete.

Hotels and Attractions

We have secured a reduced rate for a room block at the Hilton in Minneapolis ($149/night). Please book before August 12th using the link below:

https://tinyurl.com/SaladRoomBlock

Local Attractions and Advice:

Here is a great resource for a LGBTQ+ specific travel itinerary for the Twin Cities.

Also, check out our list of Queer owned & friendly businesses.

Key Tournament Notes

Key Tournament Notes:

Minimum four games guaranteed.
All games will be comprised of three 16 minute running time periods (no OT/SO in round robin play)
All Players should be ready at least five minutes prior to posted game start times.
The rink has a strict no alcoholic beverages policy in the building.
Pool play scoring will be utilized.
Three divisions will be offered: Upper, Intermediate, and Lower.
Teams will be placed in divisions to ensure best competitive balance based on registrations received. Teams may be placed in a higher division than requested to accommodate the highest rated players on their roster. Please do your best when forming teams to keep similar levels together.
Our plan is to have 4 teams in each division with one of those four reserved for free agents. (This is subject to change based on final registered participants.)
A Registered Team must be composed of at least 11 players to lock in their spot. Tournament Directors may assign free agents up to 15 total skaters and 1 goalie to accommodate as many players as possible and to help establish balance within divisions.
Jerseys: Teams are welcome to bring their own jerseys. The tournament will provide jerseys for free agents. If teams do bring their own jerseys, please consider providing a loaner to free agents who are placed on your team if possible.

Registration

Who can register?

Any one who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an Ally. We are here to have a welcoming and accepting experience for all hockey players at all levels.

Team Registration:

Team Mangers: click this link for more information and to register.

Individual Registration:

COMING SOON!!