Home or Away: Stay to Play in Elite League

The Elite League offers players:

• The best exposure to NHL scouts.

• The best exposure to college coaches.

• The best development opportunity for your game.

• The chance to stay home and finish your varsity and high school experience with your friends.

• Closure to your high school career while building a foundation for the next step.

The Upper Midwest High School Elite League begins the 2025 season on Saturday, Sept. 6 at New Hope Ice Arena. There are eight games to be played throughout the day, running from 9 a.m. through 8:30 p.m., followed by a four-game slate on Sunday morning. 

The Elite League is regarded as one of the nation’s premiere leagues for skaters in high school hockey and features a full calendar of games throughout most weekends in September and October. League playoffs are set for late October in New Hope. MSP Magazine is the defending league playoff champion after defeating Twin Cities Orthopedics in 2024. Click here for the full league schedule.

"I had a blast in the Elite League and got to play with and against so many great players. I felt that at the time it was best for my development and I'll never regret staying in school and playing in the Elite League. We won the championship that year in the Elite League, which made it so much better."

-Sammy Walker, former Edina and University of Minnesota captain and Mr. Hockey winner, currently competing within the Utah Mammoth organization

“The Elite League is an awesome development league to try new things and work on your game against the best players in Minnesota.”

-Noah Cates, former Stillwater and Minnesota Duluth captain, currently skating with the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL

Why is Elite League the Best Choice? 

• Ten years of Elite League experience has shown conclusively that players are happier and more content when they stay home and in their community to develop their game then they are when they leave to play junior hockey.

• The Elite League offers you an intense 21-game schedule against top competition in advance of your winter varsity experience. You get the benefits of both brands of hockey and you're still able to enjoy spring sports and activities with your friends at school. We are proud to offer this healthy and elite ‘stay and play’ option for top young players.

"There was no way I was leaving. I wouldn't trade that decision for anything… being able to graduate and be home with my family for one more year was perfect for me."

-Ryan McDonagh, a former Mr. Hockey winner, state champion at Cretin-Derham Hall, and two-time Stanley Cup winner 

All three of the athletes quoted above stayed and played high school hockey through their senior seasons while also competing in the Elite League. 

The High School Elite League is a proven path to critical exposure. Colleges, junior leagues, and professional scouts attend every one of the league’s games. Elite League players can expect to receive feedback from scouts from all levels.

The league also provides something that is less tangible than achievement but equally critical. The player gets to experience high school, just like everybody his age. There is merit in these regular high school activities to balance out the dedication, determination and sometimes even stressful pressures of hockey at the elite level.