The Parking Lot Volume 23

Celebrating 250 Years of America & 25 Years of AHA

As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, all of us at AHA want to wish you and your families a safe, fun, and memorable Independence Day. This year carries even greater significance as our nation celebrates 250 years of American history, a milestone that reminds us of the generations who have built communities through service, sacrifice, and a shared love for coming together.

In many ways, hockey embodies those same values. Every season brings teammates from different backgrounds together with a common purpose, creating friendships that often last far beyond the final buzzer. Whether you’re spending the holiday at the lake, around the grill, watching fireworks, or even lacing up your skates, we hope you find time to celebrate with those who matter most.

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the summer season. While the warm weather is still in full swing and plenty of great hockey remains ahead, preparations for our winter leagues are already well underway. Behind the scenes, schedules are being built, parity discussions are taking place, tournaments are being organized, and administrators/staff are hard at work preparing for another outstanding season. The summer always seems to fly by, but there’s still plenty of hockey left to enjoy before we make the transition back to winter.

This month’s player spotlight perfectly captures the spirit of our association. Many of us have heard his voice echo throughout our rinks before games, but few know the remarkable story behind the man holding the microphone. We’re proud to feature John deCausmeaker, whose passion for hockey extends far beyond the Adult Hockey Association and onto one of Minnesota’s biggest stages as the national anthem singer for the Minnesota Wild. His story is one of dedication, community, and the enduring love of the game, qualities that continue to make our hockey family so special.

Player Spotlight

Name: John deCausmeaker
Hometown: Moorhead, MN
# / Position: #12 Defense
Team / Tier:  D1 Trash Pandas

Let’s not bury the lede, I’ve been the official national anthem singer for the Minnesota Wild since 2017-2018. Funny thing is, I was more of an NFL guy back then, just a casual hockey fan. Today I’m all in because hockey is undeniably the greatest sport on earth! But the anthem gig isn’t what got me there.

That happened in 2019, when my then-10-year-old son Julian told me he wanted to play hockey, for real, not just messing around at the park. I became a hockey dad, a role I’d dodged for all the usual reasons (cost, time, those parents), and figured 10 was late to start in MN. I didn’t want to set him up to fail.

Didn’t happen. He thrived as a Pee Wee, was deking me out of my skates within weeks, and turned me into more than a fan, a full-blown fanatic. When Wild fans asked who my favorite player was, expecting “Parise” or “Suter,” I’d say “#36, Hopkins Pee Wee C.” Julian’s the reason I decided to actually play the game myself, pads and all.

I started Beginner School in the summer of 2022, at the ripe old age of 46. The Trash Pandas were born that summer, along with our rivals, the Ice Weasels. We beat them 9-1 and took the championship. They got revenge the next winter, and the “Critter Cup” rivalry was born. We’ve since moved up to D1 while they stayed in D2, but we’re hoping to run it back someday.

I’ve played pretty much every Fall, Winter, and Summer league since then, skipped Fall 2025 to “rest,” immediately regretted it, and it took forever to shake off the rust. Summer/Fall leagues are my favorite, though: more casual, mix up rivals into teammates, and AHA’s theme team names are always a good time (Beers this year, Pro Wrestlers someday, please). This summer, I’m a Foster, mostly ex-Trash Pandas and Lake Monsters. Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!

I’ve got many more stories: Navy submarine service and meeting other vets in the AHA, my MN Warriors affiliation, skating with NHL alums at the Hendrickson Foundation, me potentially being in a Blaze commercial this fall, being a Moorhead Spud, how I landed the Wild gig, but find me in the beer circle after a game for those.

2026-2027 will be my 10th season singing for the Wild and my 5th as a Trash Panda. Julian’s heading into his junior year at Hopkins HS, coming off JV last season. Hockey’s become the thing that brings us together as father and son, and I’m forever grateful to the AHA for that.

To my fellow skaters, thanks for being part of a league that runs this smoothly, for young and old, skilled and not-so-skilled alike. Be kind during the grind. See you on the ice. Let’s play hockey!

Thank you for Being Part of AHA

As we wrap up this month’s edition of The Parking Lot, thank you for being part of what makes AHA such a special community. Whether you’re a first-time skater learning the game, a seasoned veteran chasing another championship, an official or scorekeeper to keep games fun and safe, or simply enjoying time with teammates after the game, every member helps make our association stronger.

One of the most rewarding parts of The Parking Lot has been highlighting the incredible people who make up AHA. Every player has a story, and we’d love to tell more of them. If you know someone who deserves to be featured in an upcoming Player Spotlight, whether it’s for their contributions on the ice, behind the scenes, or within our hockey community, please send us your nomination. We’d love to hear why they make AHA a better place.

Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend, enjoy the rest of your summer hockey, and we’ll see you at the rink!

ProgramStart DateStatus
2026 Summer LeagueMay 17thIN PROGRESS
2026 Spring Beginner SchoolApril 20thIN PROGRESS
2026 Twin Cities Classic TournamentOctober 2nd-4thREGISTRATION OPENS SUMMER
2026 Duluth TournamentOctober 16th-18thREGISTRATION OPENS SUMMER
Skating & Goalie ClinicTBDTBD