April Hockey: It’s Go Time!
April is where everything starts to matter just a little bit more. The regular season has set the stage, and now it’s time to see how it all plays out. With Winter League playoffs kicking off on April 10th, the energy in the rink is about to shift.
Every game gets tighter. Every play gets sharper. The small details, line changes, puck management, and defensive coverage start to make the difference between moving on and hanging them up for the season. It’s what we’ve been building toward all winter.
But beyond the competition, this is also one of the best times to be around the rink. Teammates who started as strangers are now a group that trusts each other. Players who were just learning the game a few months ago are now making confident plays. Across every level, you can see the growth that’s happened over the season, and that’s what makes this league special.
As we head into the playoffs, bring the energy, support your teams, and enjoy the moment. Because while only a few teams will finish on top, this is the time of year everyone remembers.
And as we get ready for playoff hockey, it’s also a great time to recognize the players who help make this community what it is both on and off the ice. This month, we’re spotlighting someone who embodies that spirit of competition, growth, and looking out for others: Andy Jakacki.
Player Spotlight
Name: Andy Jakacki
Hometown: Ramsey, MN
# / Position: #9 Defense
Team / Tier: C1/B3 Mosquitos
All my life, I’ve been interested in playing sports. Being the younger brother, I was always tagging along and competing against my brother and his friends. Whether it was basketball, football, or baseball, that environment helped build the competitive spirit I still carry with me today.
I first got interested in hockey because of my cousin, who would always talk about how much fun it was. I started playing outdoors at a rink within walking distance of my house. Spending full days on the ice with a few breaks in the warming house are some of my favorite memories. Eventually, I joined organized youth hockey at the Squirt level.
I started out on the left wing and did alright, but later that year, I found my home on the blue line. I’ve been a defenseman ever since. Scoring goals is always fun, but for me, there’s nothing better than shutting down the other team’s top players. That said, I still get burned from time to time; it’s all part of the game.
After finishing youth hockey, I played outdoors here and there but never consistently. I missed being part of a team and having that competitive environment. Then a coworker told me about AHA, and it sounded like exactly what I was looking for.
AHA has been a great fit. I just finished my fifth season and my second with the Mosquitos, and it’s been a blast meeting people from all over the metro. This community is full of great people at every level.
I especially appreciated the shout-out I received from Lars Byrlev in a previous edition of The Parking Lot for helping out one of his teammates. Moments like that really show what AHA is all about.
Looking out for each other is what makes this association strong, and I know others would do the same for me.
Staying Ahead of the Game: Heart Health Awareness
In a game built on speed, intensity, and pushing through fatigue, it’s easy to overlook what our bodies might be trying to tell us. Most of us show up ready to compete, but recognizing when something feels off is just as important as any shift we make on the ice.
Subtle warning signs, such as unusual shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fatigue that feels different from normal, can be easy to brush aside. But those moments are worth paying attention to. Knowing your baseline, what “normal” feels like for you, can make it easier to recognize when something isn’t right.
For adult players, especially, regular checkups can make a real difference. Routine physicals, understanding your blood pressure and cholesterol, and being aware of family history are simple steps that help you stay ahead of potential issues. It’s not about overthinking, it’s about giving yourself the best chance to keep playing the game you enjoy.
That same awareness extends to your teammates. If someone doesn’t look right, whether it’s unusual fatigue, trouble recovering between shifts, or anything that stands out, it’s always worth checking in. Hockey is a team game, and sometimes the most important support happens off the puck.
At the end of the day, taking care of your health isn’t separate from the game; it’s what allows you to keep showing up for it. Listen to your body, don’t ignore the signs, and don’t hesitate to get checked. Because the best ability isn’t just availability, it’s making sure you’re here to play for seasons to come.
The Season Never Really Ends
As one season winds down, another is already taking shape, and that’s one of the best parts about AHA. There’s always another opportunity to get back on the ice, try something new, or bring someone into the game with you.
Over the next few months, we’ll be hosting evaluation sessions for new players. These sessions are designed to help place players at the appropriate level so everyone can step into a competitive and enjoyable environment right away. If you know someone interested in joining AHA, this is their first step toward joining the league.
Our summer league is now open for registration, and it’s shaping up to be another great season of hockey. At the same time, our Summer Beginner School has officially filled up, which is a great sign of the league’s continued growth and the demand for new players to get involved in the game.
That growth doesn’t happen by accident; it happens because of you. If you’ve got a friend, coworker, or family member who’s been thinking about playing, now is the perfect time to bring them out. Whether it’s attending an evaluation session or getting signed up for a future program, that first step is often all it takes.
AHA has always been about more than just hockey; it’s about building a community where everyone has a place. So as we head into the next stretch of the year, let’s keep that momentum going. Get signed up, stay involved, and if you can, bring someone new along for the ride.
Because the game’s always better when there’s one more teammate on the bench.
| Program | Start Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 Winter League Playoffs | April 10th – 19th | IN PROGRESS |
| Evaluations | April 20th & “May the 4th” | REGISTRATION OPEN |
| 2026 Summer League | May 17th | REGISTRATION OPEN |
| 2026 Spring Beginner School | April 20th | FULL, WAITING LIST |
