Hey all,

Well our new schedule of pick up hockey is ready but unfortunately the PickUpHockeyFinder.com site still needs some fine tuning. We have ice booked at Minnesota Made Ice Center Friday August 15th at 8:50pm. This is a fun pick up game with average overall players but all are welcome. No checking, slap shots ok.

We are looking for more skaters and another goalie. If you’d like to play please email Don Giroux or if you know of someone who might send them this link.

I’m helping organize a friendly game on Sunday July 27th, 8:15pm - Plymouth Ice Arena. The level of play is semi competitive but the goal of the game is to have a good time and a couple of beers afterwards with the other team.  Most of the players are from my Tuesday Minnesota Wild Adult Hockey League (C Division) . We are looking for 3 players (2 defence, 1 forward). If you are interested in playing let me know asap.

I assume the cost will be $10 each or there about.

Our Monday night shinny/pick up game has enabled me to meet many new people from the Twin Cities. One person in particular, Jerry Mlekoday, invited me to play on his team, Hell’s Messengers, in the Minnesota Wild Adult Hockey League. The summer league runs from June 1-August 27, 2008. Our first game got canceled due to a scheduling error so this past Tuesday was our first game. We didn’t win but it was still nice to play a competitive game and meet new people. I managed to score the first goal of the season for our team which is always nice and the line I’m playing on seems to have some chemistry.

Playing hockey has really made it possible to establish a wide network of friends in a very short period of time. This is exactly why my business partner, Derrik Dyka, and I have decided to take HockeyIsOurGame.com to the next level. Creating a venue for hockey players to get together and play the game they love. It’s simple, we organize the ice, and our members can register for the times that are most convenient for them. It’s free to join and the great thing is there’s no long term commitment. New to a city, on a business trip, looking to get back on the ice or just want some extra ice time, HockeyIsOurGame.com is the perfect place to find a friendly game where you can meet new people, work on your skills, and get some exercise.

We are starting with the Twin Cities area but will be expanding rapidly across the U.S and Canada. I’m looking forward to organizing games back in Toronto for when I visit. We’ll be posting updates on the progress of subscriptions, games, new developments etc. in the coming weeks. I’ll also try to keep everyone abreast of the hockey world in general.

To register please visit HockeyIsOurGame.com

Don Giroux
Cofounder
HockeyIsOurGame.com

This is the schedule for our private hockey group, session 2. See below for ice times and locations. If you are interested in playing hockey with us use leave a comment below.

6/16/2008
blake
8:15pm

6/23/2008
blake
8:15pm

6/30/2008
blake
8:15pm

7/7/2008
blake
8:15pm

7/14/2008
blake
8:15pm

7/21/2008
blake
8:15pm

7/28/2008
blake
8:15pm

8/4/2008
blake
8pm

8/11/2008
augsburg
7pm

8/18/2008
augsburg
7pm

We are looking for a few more regular skaters to our friendly weekly hockey game.

Full sheet of ice
5 on 5
16 skates
2 full gear goalies
no contact/checking
Friendly game
$12

Interested, let us know.

Our first shinny night was a blast. Lots of rust on the old skates and burning lungs but well worth it. Much so that we’re doing it again next Tuesday, Feb 5th at 9:45pm. Same place…Parade Ice Rink!

It’s the small rink and we’re only going to have a max of 10 skaters plus two goalies. If you’d like to join our list please contact us.

I’ll post some pics of our next game.

My friends and I have organized some ice time at the Parade Hockey Rink. We will be playing on the smaller rink next Monday, Jan 28th, at 9:30pm. Since it’s on the smaller rink we’ll be playing 3 on 3. We plan on making this a more regular event and eventually moving to a full size ice surface. If you or someone you know would like to join us please let me know. The skill level is yet to be determined (since I haven’t played with these guys yet). We do have some players who are just getting back into playing so this will not be extremely competitive.

I think we’re also short a goalie at this point so if you play goal you can get in some free playing time and meet some new people!!!

Check that…we have two goalies!!!

Don and I are putting together a group of players that want to play once or twice a month. This will be Shinny Hockey

Basically we are thinking of renting the smaller rink at Parade
($75/hr).

Planning on wearing most normal hockey gear from the waist down (your choice), helmet, maybe elbow pads.

No checking

One of the group thinks he can round up some goalies.

If you are interested please let us know.

The player list is of all skill levels. We are doing this for fun!

I haven’t really found a good place on the internet where I can find places to play hockey. If I’m having trouble then I’m sure other people are as well.  If you are new to the Twin Cities, new to hockey or just haven’t played in a while and want to get started again let me know. I’m not making any promises but I figure why not use this blog as a central spot for finding places and people to play hockey with.

I’m going to do more research over the coming weeks and post some links.

My name is Don Giroux and I’m new to the Twin Cities area. I’m originally from Sudbury, ON, Canada (200 miles North of Toronto and home of the Sudbury Wolves) and have played hockey all my life. Hockey is more than a sport to me. It’s a stress reliever, networking tool, exercise regiment, therapeutic outlet, and much much more. I love the fastest game on ice and now that I’m here in Minneapolis I want to be part of the hockey community.

My hockey related claim to fame (which is a very short list)

Was one of the 64 finalist at the 2006 Red Bull Crashed Ice event in Quebec city. If you haven’t heard of this you have to check out the link.

Played triple A hockey with Todd Bertuzzi. I know I’ll probably get booed for that especially here in Minneapolis but he’s the only NHLer I remember playing with. By the way, we were 8 years old so I’m not boasting. I’m an average player at best.

I’ve already met a couple of people who play so hopefully I’ll be playing regularly soon which isn’t soon enough. I should probably mention that I’m 32 years old. If you have a spot, leave a comment.