Northern Prairie Hockey League

Northern Prairie Hockey League

Mission: The Northern Prairie Elite Hockey League (NPHL) was established to provide a high level of play for high school players in Northwestern Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota who might not otherwise have an opportunity to play in the Elite I and Elite II leagues in Minnesota.

Team South Dakota: Through a committee organized through the South Dakota Development Committee program, Dave Smith, Chair, Team South Dakota will be fielded.

Eligible Players: Players who have participated in SDAHA hockey, who played in the Varsity High School League, or who have aged-out of Bantam hockey under SDAHA rules may apply.

Sports Conflicts: All dates involving Team South Dakota are on Saturdays and Sundays to avoid conflicts with football. There will be a Saturday late morning game, a Saturday evening game, and a Sunday later morning game each weekend.

Weekend Conflicts: Qualified players will be able to opt-in and opt-out of particular weekends at signup due to conflicts. Each weekend, the goal will be to field the most competitive team from the players that are available, and have demonstrated commitment to the options available in the Select program. Players who have participated in one of the weekends before the South Dakota weekend will be given preference in selection for that weekend. USAHockey roster rules still apply.

Costs: Each weekend, the expenses (ice and refs) will be split amongst the four teams. Team South Dakota will split that amount amongst those playing that weekend, together with the coaching and admin. expense stipend for that weekend. The actual cost may be adjusted but estimates are that the cost per player, per weekend will be no more than $85.00. Registration will require submission of a deposit of $85.00 for each weekend you wish to play. If you are not selected for a weekend, your funds will be refunded.

Schedule: The schedule for Team South Dakota is:

9/19 & 20Moorhead

9/26 & 27Fargo

10/11 & 11Brookings

10/17 & 18Mandan

10/24 & 25Fargo

Each weekend will have three games. A practice may be scheduled.

Coaches:Coaches will be a committee coaching team of Ben Tronnes and Randy Honkomp.

Registration: Please complete the attached registration and mail with the deposit checks as instructed. USA Hockey registration is required. You can complete registration online now, and it will count for your season registration too. A registration for this team will not be considered unless it is accompanied by a ID number for current USAHockey registration, or a copy of the registration certificate.

Questions:Should be directed to the Committee in care of Vince Foley, General Manager.

All-Star Team:This year two All Star Teams will be selected from the league and will play in the Minnesota Elite II year end tournament in the Twin Cities (November 6 – 8). At least two players will be selected from every team.