Spade wins 2026 Elite League

In a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over regular season champions MSP Magazine, SPADE emerged as the 2026 season Upper Midwest Elite Hockey League champions. Following a strong second half of the regular season, SPADE opened the playoffs by beating TDS Transportation 6-3 in the quarterfinals before knocking off number 2 seeded APX 7-6 in the semifinals. In the finals, SPADE’s relentless full ice pressure and solid goaltending helped keep MSP’s high powered offensive attack in check, leading to their victory over the tournament’s number 1 seed.

SPADE, representing outstate Minnesota, were led by Elite League head coach Scott Oliver, and his assistants Chad Hommerding, and Will Hammer (Elite League alum). Oliver, a 2024 Minnesota Hockey Coaches (MHCA) Hall of Fame inductee for his tenures at University of Minnesota-Crookston, Roseau High School, and East Grand Forks High School, is known for his hockey knowledge and his ability to maximize the talents of his players, and to produce players who excel both on the ice and in their communities.

Coach Oliver’s commitment to the Minnesota High School community based model for hockey development reflects his lifelong passion for education and coaching. Coach Oliver and the rest of the Elite League coaching staffs enjoy sharing their love and knowledge of the game with their players in the hopes that it will help them reach the fullest potential of their hockey development goals.

The Elite League would like to thank all the parents, coaches, volunteers, players, and fans for such an exciting season of hockey. The Elite League continues to look forward to providing a first class opportunity for Minnesota’s best high school players to continue their growth as players in the pre-high school regular season time frame.

Team members: