The Parking Lot Volume 18

Falling into February and Year 25 It’s a Great Year

According to completely unofficial AHA statistics, February is the month when players finally fall a little less. Maybe it’s stronger legs from mid-season hockey, maybe it’s confidence, or maybe it’s just because there are fewer days in the month.

For some players, falling is part of the journey, and that journey is what makes hockey so rewarding. This month’s Player Spotlight, Lars Byrlev, knows that story well. What started with plenty of padding and plenty of falls turned into years of skating, captaining teams, and building lifelong connections through AHA. It’s a reminder that everyone’s hockey story has a beginning, and for many players in our community, that beginning starts with Beginner School. Registration is currently open, offering new skaters the same welcoming first step that launches lifelong connections like the ones Lars has built.

Player Spotlight

Name: Lars Byrlev
Hometown: Copenhagen, Denmark
# / Position: #45 Defense
Team / Tier:  C2 Maroons & C1 Maroons

I was introduced to skating at the relatively young age of 41. A friend and former brother-in-law of mine, Derek Hoffman from the Fighting Loons, thought it would be fun to skate together and play some hockey. Even though he had a lot of faith in me, skating was not exactly a skill he should have put much stock into, and he’s reminded me of that many times since.

That said, it was a blast. With a lot of padding and plenty of practice, the falls gradually became fewer and fewer, and I kept skating. I played in a few leagues and eventually found the Maroons during a summer tryout. I was asked to keep skating with them, whether that was due to my ability or simply the need for another warm body on the ice, is still up for debate. Either way, I found great camaraderie and a fantastic group of guys to hang out with. That led me to also join the Fighting Loons and, a little later, the Spitfires.

I’ve been a Captain of the C2 and C1 Maroons since the 2012–13 season. It’s been a great experience and a privilege. While it’s a lot of fun, it’s also a bit of work, kind of like herding cats. Cats that don’t listen, don’t pay attention, somehow always know how to get to the net, but for some strange reason struggle mightily with checking boxes on AHA. (You know who you are!)

The summer seasons have been a great opportunity to meet new people on the mixed teams. Most of the time, it’s players you’ve faced over the years, but you find common ground pretty quickly. Suddenly, you’ve got more friends, and it changes the whole feel of the game when you line up against each other during the winter season.

One of the most meaningful moments for me recently really highlighted how special the hockey community is. Andy Jakacki from the Mosquitos C1, an Operations Battalion Chief with Hennepin EMT, dropped everything after our game to come into our locker room and help one of our teammates who was in need. His quick response, professionalism, and willingness to step in made a real difference that night and truly exemplified what this community is all about. Thank you, Andy, for being there when it mattered most!

I’m incredibly thankful for the hockey community and for all the people with different skills, backgrounds, and abilities that we meet along the way.

After 17 years of skating, I still believe hockey is one of the best sports out there. AHA is a great place to get some exercise, have fun, and most importantly, meet friends for life.

Coaches Corner: Shift Lengths Matter (Yes, Even Yours)

If you’ve played hockey long enough, you’ve probably heard it shouted from the bench at least once:
“CHANGE!”
And if you’ve played even longer… there’s a chance that shout was aimed directly at you.

Let’s talk about shift length.

In adult league hockey, shorter shifts aren’t about conditioning, age, or showing who’s in the best shape. They’re about keeping everyone involved, keeping the pace up, and, believe it or not, helping your team play better hockey.

A good rule of thumb is 30–45 seconds per shift. That window keeps legs fresh, decision-making sharp, and lines rolling smoothly. Once shifts creep past a minute, fatigue sets in quickly. That’s when coverage gets missed, backchecks slow down, and teammates start skating extra to compensate which only makes the next shift harder for everyone.

Long shifts also impact the bench. When one player stays out too long, it shortens everyone else’s ice time, disrupts line rhythm, and can turn a fun game into a frustrating one. Hockey works best when everyone buys into the team concept, quick shifts in, quick shifts out, and trusts that the next line will do their job.

This doesn’t mean sprinting to the bench the second you touch the puck. It means being aware. If you’ve taken a long rush, battled in the corner, or spent time defending in your zone, that’s usually your cue. Get off, grab some water, and be ready to go again soon.

As captains, our goal isn’t to police the bench; it’s to set the tone. Short shifts show respect for your teammates, help keep games competitive, and make hockey more fun for everyone.

So next time you’re thinking, “I can squeeze in just a little more,” remember: fresh legs beat tired heroics every time.

AHA Community, Always Growing

AHA has always been more than just hockey. It’s a community built on looking out for one another, cheering each other on, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome on and off the ice. Whether it’s lending a hand, offering encouragement, or simply being a good teammate, those moments are what make this league special.

We encourage everyone to keep that spirit going. Support your teammates, respect the game, and continue helping make AHA a place where players of all backgrounds and experience levels can enjoy the sport we all love.

If you know a player whose story deserves to be shared, or if you’re interested in being featured in a future Player Spotlight, we’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out or submit recommendations to communications@ahahockey.com.

ProgramStart DateStatus
2025-26 Winter Beginner SchoolNov 17thFULL, IN PROGRESS
2025-26 Winter LeagueNov 1stFULL, IN PROGRESS
2026 Spring Beginner SchoolApril 20thREGISTRATION OPEN