Frequently Asked Questions

I have never played hockey before, but I would like to start. Is this league for me?
Absolutely. The MWSHL welcomes new players. Some of the returning players will be more experienced, but they will be there to help and to answer questions. This league is meant to be fun, relaxed, and a place for people to learn. Winning is a secondary priority.

I am an advanced level player (A division, college varsity, or a standout high school player). Can I play in this league?
No. The MWSHL is intended for beginner, C, and lower B level players. You will not be challenged by the pace of play in this league. If you are looking for a place to play this summer, we highly recommend the advanced level summer programs offered by Sue Ring Jarvi. You can contact her at Rjsports_wear@yahoo.com for more information.

How old do I have to be to play in the league?
18 years old

I can't play in the early games due to another commitment.
Can I still play in this league?
Yes. We will try to have one team that plays all of its games at the latest times available. If you would like to play on this team, please indicate on your registration form that you wish to be on the "late team".

Can my regular season team participate as a team in this league?
No. The MWSHL does not accept team registrations. This league encourages players to make new friends and develop playing skills with other players.

Can I play on the same team as my friend?
Yes. Although it is not 100 percent guaranteed, the MWSHL makes a concerted effort to honor all individual teammate requests. Please indicate who you request to play with on your registration form. Also, to protect all league members, the person you request must also request to play with you.

Circular, large group, or team requests will not be honored.

Can I email in my registration?
No. Unfortunately, we cannot accept internet registrations at this time. Please mail your registration form along with payment to Hockey for Women, 832 21st Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

What is the jersey deposit for, and when will I get it back?
Instead of having the price of a jersey included in the league fees, the MWSHL asks each player to make a $20 jersey deposit. If you return your jersey at the end of the session, the $20 will be returned to you. All jerseys must be returned on or before the last day of the session in order to receive the jersey deposit. You may keep your jersey if you wish.

A separate jersey deposit must be made for each session you are registering for.

I still have a jersey from the last session. Can I turn it in and receive a refund or have it count as my jersey deposit for this session?
No. We pay to replace jerseys at the end of each session, so we cannot distribute jersey deposits after the last night of each session or accept old jerseys in the place of deposits for future sessions.

If you have to miss the last night of the session, you can get your refund by handing in your jersey on the last night you will be there or by mailing it to us prior to the end of the session.

I may have to miss one or two games. Is this a problem?
No. Each team has enough players so that it's not a big deal if a few people have to miss every now and then.

Should I find someone to sub for me when I can't be there?
Goalies will be provided with a sub goalie list prior to the start of the season.

Position players need not arrange for subs. There are enough players on each roster so it's not necessary to have someone fill in for you. Under no circumstances should a player participate in a game who is not a registered member of the current MWSHL session.

When and how do I find out what team I am on?
Team rosters will be posted on the MWSHL website one to two weeks prior to the start of each session.

If you do not have internet access, please indicate this on your registration form. We will contact you by phone or written notification of your team assignment will be mailed to your home two weeks prior to the start of the session.

How many players will be assigned to each team?
15 position players and 1 goalie

Are there coaches or practices?
No. The MWSHL is a low-key, summer league. You just show up and play.

From time to time, the MWSHL does offer separate skill-development clinics. Please monitor our website for more details.

What is the format of the games?
MWSHL games are played by USA Hockey rules as amended by Minnesota Hockey and the Women's Hockey Association of Minnesota (WHAM). League games will be one hour in length with two 17-minute, running-time periods and the last period running time of the amount of time left in the hour. MWSHL games are officiated by two referees.

If I change my mind about playing after I have sent in my registration, can I get my money back?
Refunds will be made only if there is another player on the waiting list available to take your place. In the case of extreme circumstances, exceptions may be made at the discretion of league officials.