The Parking Lot Volume 9
As the weather warms and the pucks defrost, it’s time to hang up the heavy base layers and bust out the tinted visors—summer hockey is officially on deck!
But before we dive into sun-drenched postgame parking lot hangouts and suspiciously sweaty shoulder pads, we’ve got some shoutouts to make. Huge congrats to all our Winter League Champions across every level! Whether you won in dramatic OT fashion, held the blue line like your mortgage depended on it, or just remembered your socks every game—cheers to you. You’ve earned that victory skate, that trophy photo, and yes, the right to bring it up all summer long.
AHA 2024-25 Winter League Tier Champions
- A: Miners
- B1: Mad Dogs
- B2: Chiefs
- B3: French Toilets
- C1: Maroons Black
- C2: Saints
- C3: Fighting Loons Black
- D1: Fighting Loons Black
- D2: No Stars
First up is a familiar face who’s spent nearly a decade skating in the AHA, building connections, and proving that it’s never too late to return to the game you love. Let’s take a look at the journey that brought one of our own full circle—from a childhood on White Bear Lake to leading the Troopers and beyond with Alex Keller.
Name: Alex Keller
Hometown: Mahtomedi, MN
# / Position: #77 / #71
Team / Tier: Troopers Hockey Club ( C3 ) / The Grey Ducks ( D1 )
I grew up playing a variety of sports—baseball, basketball, golf, and hockey—but hockey has always had my heart. From learning how to skate on White Bear Lake to playing youth hockey for Mahtomedi, I was well on my way to becoming a full-fledged rink rat. That all changed during my C Squirt season, when I broke my leg during a game.
Fast-forward 30+ years, and I found myself involved with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and was invited to skate in their annual Guards vs. Vulcans charity game. I picked up some used gear, laced up my skates, and rediscovered how much I had missed playing. Though I’d followed the sport closely my whole life, relearning how to actually play was a different challenge. My hockey IQ and positional awareness were still sharp, but getting my body to cooperate with my brain took work.
After that game, I was hooked. I asked my wife if she’d support me getting better equipment and finding some pickup games. She told me, “If your heart’s in it, I support it.” Thanks to connections from the Winter Carnival, I was invited to a pickup skate at St. Mary’s Point. That’s when everything changed.
In the locker room, I noticed a player wearing a jersey I didn’t recognize. As a diehard fan who knows teams across high school, junior, minor, and pro leagues around the world, I had to ask—what team was it? He told me it was from his AHA club team. That’s how I learned about the Adult Hockey Association. I checked out their website, signed up for an evaluation, and registered for the summer 2016 season the very next day.
I started out with the D1 Wolfpack, where I met players from all over the AHA community and built lasting friendships. Postgame hangouts in the parking lot led to great conversations, unexpected connections, and lifelong bonds. Since then, I’ve attended weddings, celebrated teammates’ new babies, and built friendships beyond the rink.
I stayed involved with the Winter Carnival and even had the honor of leading a group of Guards as Captain in 2019. That year, one of the volunteers I recruited ended up meeting their future spouse during the festivities—just another example of how hockey and community go hand in hand.
Since joining the AHA, I’ve played in every winter and summer league since 2016. I’ve competed in multiple Twin Cities Classics—including a championship win in 2023—and even made the trip to Duluth for a tournament. Every season, my goal is to get a little better. I’ve participated in clinics throughout the AHA, constantly working to improve my game. Today, I serve as an Alternate Captain for the Grey Ducks and the Captain of the Troopers (C3 level). I also chair the Royal Guards Charity Hockey Game Committee off the ice.
Hockey is more than just a sport for me—it’s a lifelong passion, a community, and a source of joy both on and off the ice. I can hardly believe this summer marks my 10th season with the AHA. Time really does fly when you’re having fun.
Looking ahead, Summer League is coming in hot—literally. New teammates, new rivalries, and new memories! Whether you’re lacing ’em up to chase the summer banner or a cold one after the buzzer, we’re glad you’re here.
Already missing your winter squad, or a new player looking to play in AHA? Sign up individually or recruit your teammates and keep the chemistry going. Got a buddy who keeps saying they “used to play”? Bring them to an eval—we’ve all got room for one more in the locker room (and someone’s gotta bring the postgame snacks).
So hydrate, stretch out those hammies, and we’ll see you out there.
Current & Upcoming Programs
| Program | Start Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Spring Beginner School | Apr 21 | In Session |
| 2025 Summer League | May 2025 | Registration Open |
| Spring Evaluation Sessions | Apr – May | Eval Registration Open |
