Winter League

Welcome to the Twin Cities Queer Hockey Association Winter League! In this league, every player is valued for their heart, energy, and love of the game, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation or background. The ice is a place for skill, sportsmanship, and community.

This winter, we’ll build on the foundation of fun, friendship, and competition that makes our league special. We’ll celebrate our victories, learn from our challenges, and create memories that will last far beyond the final buzzer.

We are proud to offer three divisions:

* Lower League for skill levels .5-1.5

* Intermediate League for skill levels 2–3.5

* Advanced League for skill levels 4–5.5

Each team will play one game per week.

We are looking for a minimum of 130 full-time skaters and 10 full-time goalies.

If you can’t commit full-time, don’t worry—we also have a sub list! Subs do not pay a registration fee at this time; you simply “pay as you play.” Sub registration details coming soon.

Let’s lace up our skates, grab our sticks, and have a fantastic season!

Lower Level

2 teams of 13 skaters and 1 goalie.
20 games in total + 1 introductory week.
Teams will be divided into pods and rotate every few games.
Best suited for level 1 players.
First 15 minutes of ice time will work on skill development. Remaining 45 minutes will be three 13 minute running time period reffed game.

Intermediate Level

Four teams of 14 players (9 forwards, 4 defenders, 1 goalie).
20 games in total.
Mid-season community shuffle: halfway through, all players will be re-shuffled into four new teams for the second half.
At games #10 and #20, the top two teams will play each other, and the bottom two teams will do the same.
Best suited for strong level 2’s and level 3’s.

Upper Level

Four teams up to 13 skaters and 1 goalie.
20 games in total.
Mid-season community shuffle: all players will be re-shuffled into four new teams for the second half.
At games #10 and #20, the top two teams will face off, and the bottom two will face off.
Best suited for level 4 and 5 players.

Assessments

Two preseason assessments are available this year at no cost.

So, DO I need to assess?

If you are new to TCQHA and didn’t skate with us last winter, you must come assess with us.
If you are returning and previously registered as a different self assessed level, you need to assess with us.
If you are confused by our leveling descriptions, please come assess with us. Level descriptions can be found here.

Assessment registration can be found here.

Buddy System

Each skater can list one buddy you’d like to play with.

Chains of buddies (e.g., A lists B, B lists C, C lists D) will not be honored.
For the request to count, you and your buddy must list each other. If only one person lists the other, it will not be honored.

So be sure to talk to your buddy and get everything in order before registering.

Subs

Sub details coming soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a jersey for this league?

Yes. Reversible sub jerseys are available through TCQHA.info@gmail.com. For full jerseys: order instructions.

Do I need to assess even if I have played with this group before?

Maybe. See the assessments page for full details. If you are unsure of what you assessed at the prior winter, please reach out to tcqha.info@gmail.com.

I’m a full time player, assessed as a level 3. Can I sub in the 4/5 division?

For level 1 and level 3 players, we are allowing them to be subs in a division one level higher than their own at the discretion of that team’s captain. We do our best to group players as close to skill level parody as possible to ensure that play is competitive between teams and for player safety.

I’m a full time player, assessed as a level 4. Can I sub in the 2/3 division?

Commissioner must approve each sub request for a player to play below their level. This will only be approved based on need for subs per game if a team is below 10 skaters. Skaters are expected to skate to the appropriate level when playing a lower division.

How do I know what Level I am?

Check out the level descriptions or come to an assessment!

Winter 25/26

Registration for all levels. No team needed. Players are allowed one buddy, and will be sorted into teams with a focus on league balance to the best of our abilities given the players who register.