Fall is in full swing, and with it comes some of the most exciting events on the AHA calendar. Whether you’re lacing up for competition, cheering from the stands, or just enjoying the parking-lot laughs after a hard skate, October is packed with hockey action.
We kick things off this Saturday, October 4th, at Highland Arena with the first-ever Beginner School Cup Tournament. This brand-new event brings together the four Beginner School teams from throughout the year, squaring off in a single elimination battle to crown the Beginner School champion of the year! It’s more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of how far our new players have come, from their very first steps on the ice to competing for a title.
Hot on the heels of the Cup is the always-popular Duluth Classic Tournament, skating into action October 17th. Teams from across the AHA, all over the Upper Midwest, and Canada will head to Duluth for a weekend full of competition, camaraderie, and maybe a few too many late-night stories at the hotel lobby. The Duluth Classic is a tradition that blends great hockey with even better memories, and we can’t wait to see who hoists the trophy this year.
Just last weekend, we also saw another highlight of the season: the AHA Goalie Clinic. From goalies early in their journey to veterans fine-tuning their angles, the ice was buzzing with energy, laughter, and plenty of sprawling saves. It was a reminder that goalies aren’t just the backbone of their teams—they’re often the heart of the community, too. Among those in attendance was Andrew Beuchner, who you’ll meet in this month’s Player Spotlight.
Name: Andrew Buechner
Hometown: Apple Valley, MN
# / Position: #32 Goalie & Defense
Team / Tier: C3 Growlers & B2 Leaf’s
Like a lot of kids growing up in Minnesota, my hockey journey started early. I was probably on skates by the time I was six. I grew up in Apple Valley and tried just about every youth sport, but hockey was the only one that stuck. From mighty mites through Bantams, I wouldn’t say I was particularly good, but I absolutely loved being on the ice. Even those 6 a.m. stickhandling practices at BIG before middle school couldn’t kill my enthusiasm.
Summers were packed with hockey camps, winters with clinics, and though I never really figured out the knack for scoring—or even improving much—I was hooked. By high school and college, I had transitioned to watching from the stands instead of lacing up.
That changed when I met my wife. She picked up hockey in college and eventually switched from skating out to playing goalie. I got invited to a few of her team’s skates, and the moment my blades hit the ice again, I knew I had to come back. When we moved back to Minnesota from that other state next door (the one with all the cheese and cows), one of the first things I did was find a league. That’s when I found AHA Hockey, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
In 2015, I landed on the C2 Leafs under Chad Nissen, and I’ve been a Leaf ever since. After Chad’s tragic passing in 2018, my teammate Will and I stepped into the role of captains. The team has since moved up to B2 with me at the helm, and I’ve met some of my best friends through this group.
About four years ago, I followed my wife’s lead again and took the plunge into goalie life through the AHA Beginner School. That’s when I joined the Growlers—another amazing crew of players who’ve made the game even more rewarding.
Hockey has always been more than just a sport for me. It’s been a lifelong thread connecting my childhood to my adult life. I may not be the best skater or goalie on the ice, but I’m grateful every time I get out there—whether I’m skating out or between the pipes.
Be Part of the Story
When the puck drops this Saturday at Highland Arena for the very first Beginner School Cup Tournament, it’s more than just four teams chasing a trophy. It’s the story of players who decided to give hockey a try, who started with wobbly strides and nervous first passes, and who now get to compete for a championship. Watching them battle for the Cup is proof that anyone can find their place in the game.
And the best part? This doesn’t have to just be something you watch from the stands—it can be your story, too. The Winter Beginner School still has spots open for anyone who’s ever thought, “Maybe I could play hockey.” It’s where the next wave of Cup teams will come from, and where friendships and memories are just waiting to be made.
For those with some experience, there are still ways to join the AHA family this winter. You can attend an evaluation skate, sign up as an individual to be drafted onto a roster, or, if you’re a goalie, jump on the sub list and get your shot between the pipes.
The Beginner School Cup shows what’s possible in just a short time. The question is—will the next story be yours?
| Program | Start Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 Winter Beginner School | Nov 17th | Spaces Limited |
| Skating Refresher Clinic | Oct 8th | FULL |
| Goalie Clinic | Sept 26-28, 2025 | COMPLETED |
| 2025 Fall League | Sept/Oct, 2025 | In Progress |
| 2025 Twin Cities Classic | Postponed to 2026 due to renovations | |
| 2025 Duluth Classic | Oct 17-19, 2025 | Registration Closed |
| 2025 Evaluations | Oct 9th & 20th | Registration open |
| 2025-26 Winter Sub Goalie List | Open | |
| 2025-26 Winter League Free Agent | Open |
