Roses are red, violets are blue, and the season’s half over – so skate like you mean to! We’re officially past the season's halfway mark, so teams are pushing hard for playoffs. Every game counts now, so whether you're chasing a championship or trying to avoid Valentine's Day misconduct for forgetting flowers, bring your A-game. Grab your sticks, tighten those laces, and let’s finish strong. And remember, chocolate is great, but a well-placed pass is the real love language of hockey!
AHA received a few great photo submissions this last month. Congratulations to David Biren and the D2 No Stars for their color-coordinated puff coats!
AHA Player Spotlight
Name: Brittny Ralph
Hometown: Brooklyn Center, MN
# / Position: #14
Team / Tier: River Pirates (B3)
I am from a sports family; that is what we do. I started playing hockey when I was six because my older brother started playing. I played through Peewees with boys' hockey at Brooklyn Center. Then, in bantams through high school, I played both with the boys I grew up playing with, including boys varsity for Brooklyn Center and an elite all-girls team, the MN Thoroughbreds. There were U12 and U19 age groups, and I played with them for six years.
At 18, I made the US Under 22 National Team. Graduating from high school in ’96 and played one more year with the Thoroughbreds. I went on to play at the University of MN from ’97-’99. Making the final four in both years. 1998, I tried out for the Olympic team and was among the top 54 women. Transferring to the University of MN-Duluth and played my two remaining years there, ’99-’01. Making the final four again in both years; in my senior year, we won the National Championship!
Brittny (left) with 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush
I played recreational women's hockey for a few years after college and was involved in the first edition of the Whitecaps, established in ’03. I played with the Whitecaps for about five years.
From here, I played in various women’s leagues and pick-up games. When Covid hit, I took a break from hockey leagues, only playing with my friend Erin Topley in several tournaments yearly. She told me to get evaluated by AHA for the last 6 years so I could play with her, and I finally decided to try AHA out.
After evaluations, Erin and I joined the Sod Poodles in Level 3 for summer league. Played in the fall league and joined the Chaos to participate in the AHA Twin Cities Classic Tournament. Now, I am playing with the River Pirates in B3; it is some of the most fun I have had playing hockey.
Beginner School Spring Registration
Most of our league player base started from humble beginnings: going through beginner school, building your team, growing your skill level, and climbing the ranks! Perhaps you have a friend or family member who wants to learn to play hockey.
Recommend them to join our Adult Hockey Beginner School and unleash your inner hockey hero! Whether you’re a skating novice or someone who thinks a puck is just a fancy paperweight, we’ve got you covered. Our coaches will have you gliding, shooting, and maybe even stopping (intentionally) in no time. Plus, where else can you legally high-five someone for falling down? Grab your stick, lace up those skates, and let’s trade Netflix binges for slap shots. Who knows? You might be the next Wayne Gretzky… of avoiding penalties! If you or someone you know would be interested, tell them to sign up today, and let’s have fun on the ice!