The Parking Lot Volume 12

Twelve volumes ago, we launched The Parking Lot with one goal: tell the stories that unfold after the final buzzer—on benches, in locker rooms, and, of course, out in the lot.

Now here we are, a full year later. That’s one year of chirps, last-minute subs, breakaway goals, missed open nets, third-period miracles, and epic stories. More importantly, it’s one year of shining a spotlight on the players who make this league what it is: a welcoming and sometimes sweaty community of people who just really love the game.

This month, we’re featuring Jalen Henkel, a lifelong rink rat turned coach, whose journey back onto the ice is one that’ll hit home for anyone who thought they’d “retired,” only to realize… nope, not done yet.

Also, Summer Playoffs are right around the corner, and the energy’s already building. Whether you’re in a title hunt or just in it for the post-game parking lot banter, this is where the season’s stories get written.

Thanks for sticking with us for a whole year of The Parking Lot. Volume 12 is here, let’s go!

Got a passion for growing adult hockey in Minnesota? Minnesota Hockey is seeking a volunteer Adult Director to help lead, promote, and represent the state’s adult men’s hockey community. This three-year, elected position is your chance to make an impact—from serving on the MNH Board of Directors to working directly with USA Hockey’s Adult Council. If you’re active in the adult hockey scene, have strong communication skills, and want to help shape the game’s future, this could be your next great shift off the ice. You can find more details here and if you are interested in applying please reach out to AHA Hockey.

Name: Jalen Henkel
Hometown: Edin Prairie
# / Position: #10 Defense
Team / Tier:  B1 Swamp Monsters & A Lakers

From the time I was a baby, I was a full-on rink rat. I refused to leave the house without a hockey stick in hand, and any time my older brother had a game or practice, I was right there beside him—playing ball hockey off to the side, pretending I was on the ice too.

I started skating when I was four at Bloomington Kennedy. I remember my very first practice like it was yesterday—mainly because it didn’t go the way I imagined. I thought I’d step onto the ice and instantly skate like an NHLer. Spoiler alert: I couldn’t. I wanted to get off the ice and quit right then and there. But I stuck with it… and soon, it became the only thing I wanted to do.

After a couple of mite seasons with Kennedy, I joined a development league that focused on advancing players skills, where I played until I hit peewees. That’s when my family moved to Eden Prairie, and I started playing for their association.

It was during my time in Eden Prairie that I found another passion—coaching. I was 16 when I got my first real look behind the bench, and I fell in love with it. I kept playing hockey through high school, and in my senior year, I got the opportunity to play junior hockey for the Hudson Havoc in the USPHL Premier division. We had a great run, and it looked like we were headed for Nationals… but the COVID lockdown brought everything to a sudden stop.

That pause gave me a lot of time to think. I realized I didn’t want to go the college route, and with that decision, I hung up the skates.

Even so, I never really left the game. My passion for coaching only grew. What started as summer coaching turned into year-round involvement, and for the last three seasons, I’ve been coaching at Bloomington Jefferson. It’s been some of the most fun and rewarding time I’ve ever had.

But watching the kids compete and grow also made me miss playing. The itch to get back out there became too strong to ignore. So I signed up for AHA’s Winter League, hoping I’d find a team… and I did—an amazing one. Thanks to AHA and the Swamp Monsters, I’ve found a new gear in my hockey career and reignited my passion for the game like never before.

From Jalen Henkel’s full-circle return to the ice, to the buzz of Summer Playoffs about to kick off, this issue reminds us that hockey doesn’t have an offseason—it just changes gears.

And whether you’re a first-time skater, a returning vet, or just looking to get a few more shifts in before the snow flies, AHA has you covered.

Want to fine-tune your stride? Skating Refresher Clinic is just around the corner. Goalie? We’ve got a goalie-only weekend to test your angles and your nerves. Ready for more games? Fall League registration is now open, sign up today to reserve your spot! If you’re a new player, Beginner School will set you up for success. Plus, there’s nothing like a road trip to Duluth to keep the competitive spirit alive. Due to ongoing arena renovations at Bloomington Ice Gardens, we unfortunately will not hold the Twin Cities Classic this year. We look forward to the new and improved 18th Annual Twin Cities Classic next fall.

Whatever your hockey goal, there’s a place for you this season.

ProgramStart DateStatus
2025 Spring Beginner SchoolApr 21In Session
2025 Summer LeagueMay 2025In Session
Skating Refresher ClinicMid Sep 2025Stay tuned for Registration Details
Goalie ClinicSept 26-28, 2025Stay tuned for Registration Details
2025 Fall LeagueSept/Oct, 2025Registration open
2025 Twin Cities ClassicPostponed to 2026 due to renovations
2025 Duluth ClassicOct 17-19, 2025Registration opens Aug 12th
2025 EvaluationsAug 11 & 18Registration open