The Parking Lot Volume 22

More Than Just Summer Hockey

Summer hockey is one of the best times of the year in the AHA. The pace is a little more relaxed, teams get shuffled around, and players have the opportunity to skate with and against people they may not normally see during the winter season. Whether it’s reconnecting with old teammates in the beer circle, meeting new players, or simply enjoying a late evening skate after a long summer day, there is something special about hockey this time of year.

While players are focused on the current season, the AHA administration team is already hard at work preparing for what comes next. Throughout the summer, administrators are reviewing player evaluations, discussing parity, planning upcoming tournaments and clinics, supporting Beginner School, and laying the groundwork for another successful winter season. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in creating the balanced and competitive experience that makes the AHA special.

One of the greatest strengths of our league is the administrators who dedicate their time and energy to helping it run smoothly. From scheduling and roster management to player development and league communications, our administrators wear many hats in support of the hockey community we all enjoy.

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Johnathon Wingate – D2

I joined the AHA through Beginner School during the 2015-16 season and have proudly captained the Pines ever since. In 2017, I strapped on the goalie pads for the first time and quickly became obsessed with the position, seeking out training opportunities from local coaches to NHL alumni. About five years ago, I was given the opportunity to become the Beginner School Goalie Coach, and shortly afterward, I took on the role of D2 Administrator. Whether I’m coaching, playing, goaltending, or writing league communications, I enjoy helping players develop their skills and making the AHA a welcoming place for everyone. Outside the AHA, I tend to keep myself busy by writing children’s finance books, selling pretzel dogs, or making content online.

Clark Eichelberger – D1

I started playing hockey at the tender age of 35 and found the AHA shortly afterward. About 10 years after joining the league, I accepted the role of D1 Administrator, a position I’ve now held for over a decade. One of my favorite parts of the AHA has been getting to know so many great people both on and off the ice. I’m always looking forward to another season and the opportunity to meet even more players throughout our hockey community.

John Bader – C3

I currently help oversee the C3 level and have been involved with AHA for about 12 years.  I’m currently in a contract year and hoping for big things, although management has made it clear my speed and recovery time are “under review.” I’m also one of the hockey officials you might see on the ice — because apparently getting yelled at during the workday just wasn’t enough for me. One of my proudest hockey accomplishments was winning two championships in the same day at two different levels back in 2016. Since then, I’ve learned just how rare that achievement was, because getting back to a championship game now feels about as likely as a referee admitting they missed a call. When I’m not at the rink, I’m usually watching kids sports, practicing photography, or booking cruises to anywhere warm enough that I don’t need to scrape ice off my windshield.

John Fleischhacker – C2

I’ve been involved with AHA since I originally went through Beginner School back in 2009 with my original team, the Silverbacks.   Ever since my first game, I have been addicted, as evidenced by how I started scorekeeping and then eventually became a referee.  I became an admin in 2016, and since then I have enjoyed meeting many people who enjoy playing hockey as much as I do.  When I am not on the ice, you can find me on the golf course, at a baseball game, or otherwise just enjoying the outdoors. 

Trey Lowery – C1

I’ve been in AHA for 13, going on 14 years. Much of that time has been spent as a scorekeeper. I’ve always enjoyed watching other levels of play and skating with different teams. It’s a nice way to get to know others in the league. One of my favorite memories was scoring a goal after coming back from patellar tendon surgery–I hadn’t played fully in three seasons before that year. But overall, I love the locker room and beer circle after. Outside of AHA, I love smoking meats, date nights with my wife, raising/coaching my kids, hopping on the Peloton bike, and streaming shows (MCU, Star Wars, novice anime watcher)

Brian Austin “BA” – B3

I have been playing in AHA since the league started in 2001 and have served as a tier admin since 2008. I began playing hockey in my early 20s as a roller hockey goalie in central Illinois. I moved to Minnesota in 1999, started playing on ice, and never looked back. I started in AHA with the D2 Knights but have spent most of my time with the LandSharks in B3. Some of my greatest memories are those winter tournament weekends at BIG over the years, with nonstop games happening at all levels. It was always fun seeing all the families come through to watch the games. Outside of AHA, I play a lot of pickup hockey and travel whenever I can.

Andy Jakubowski – B2

I’ve been playing AHA for 13 years and have been the B2-tier admin for the last few years.  My favorite part of the league is that we all have a competitive edge and want to play well, but it’s always fun to cross paths in the beer circles or summer leagues and realize the guys we are competing against are great people, fun to be around, and in it for the same reasons.  My favorite hockey memories would have to be the rivalry games (Mastodons vs Wingmen, Phantoms vs Chaos, or Lakers vs Sting or Wild) where we have played so many times through the years that the guys wearing the other sweaters have even become friends.  I always get excited to be a part of those games! Outside of hockey, I’m a proud dad of two young kids who are my excuse for getting slower on the ice.  But other than parenting, my biggest passion is to play horrible golf with my hockey buddies! 

Tyler Wilsey – B1 & A

I’ve been coaching youth sports for over 17 years, working with players from Mites through the high school level while remaining a lifelong hockey player myself. My hockey journey has taken me from serving as assistant captain at SCSU in the ACHA to helping lead the Capitals (Summit) to a national championship and a third-place national finish. I’ve been committed to the AHA for over 10 years, playing and contributing at both the A and B1 levels. Hockey has always been a huge part of my life, and I enjoy helping players develop both on and off the ice.

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Looking Ahead

While summer league is still in full swing, there is plenty to look forward to in the months ahead. The Twin Cities Classic and Duluth Classic tournaments will once again provide opportunities for players to compete, travel, and create lasting hockey memories with fellow AHA members.

We’re also preparing for the return of our Skating Refresher Clinic and Goalie Clinic, both designed to help players sharpen their skills and build confidence before the winter season begins. More information and registration details for these programs will be announced in the coming months.

Until then, enjoy the rest of your summer hockey season, and we’ll see you at the rink.

Program	Start Date	Status
2026 Summer League	May 17th	IN PROGRESS
2026 Spring Beginner School	April 20th	IN PROGRESS
2026 Twin Cities Classic Tournament	October 2nd-4th	REGISTRATION OPENS SUMMER
2026 Duluth Tournament	October 16th-18th	REGISTRATION OPENS SUMMER
Skating & Goalie Clinic	TBD	TBD