University of Minnesota Men's Club Hockey Proud Member of the ACHA
Feb 6
University of Minnesota 5
Minnesota State University-Mankato 4
Final
Feb 7
University of Minnesota 4
University of Minnesota-Crookston 3
Final
Feb 8
University of Minnesota 2
University of Saint Thomas 5
Final
Feb 20
University of Minnesota 2
Michigan State University 4
Final
Recruitment

Recruitment

About the Program

Minnesota Men's Club Hockey is a student-run organization competing at the ACHA Division II level which is the second highest tier of collegiate club hockey in the country. We play a full 30+ game schedule against programs across the Midwest Conference and beyond, including travel to face top-ranked programs nationally.

Our players are students first. We recruit skaters who are serious about the game but are pursuing their degree at the University of Minnesota. You'll practice three to four times per week, travel for weekend series, and represent one of the most storied hockey states in the country.

We are self-funded through dues, donations, and sponsorships. Players are responsible for their own equipment and a portion of program costs, which our coaching staff works hard to keep reasonable through active fundraising.

Get in Touch →
Ridder Arena · Minneapolis, MN

What We Offer

01
Elite Competition
ACHA Division II is one of the highest levels of club hockey. You'll face programs with the same intensity and preparation as any competitive college team.
02
Structured Coaching
A dedicated coaching staff runs structured practice sessions focused on systems, skill development, and game preparation. Film review, power play and penalty kill units, and individual player development are all part of the program.
03
Full Travel Schedule
We travel throughout the Midwest for away series; Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin and more. Road trips are a core part of the experience and the team culture.
04
Home Ice at Ridder Arena
We play home games at Ridder Arena and the 3M Arena at Mariucci when available. There's nothing like hearing your name announced in some of the most historic arenas in hockey.
05
Leadership
The program values leadership and personal growth. As a player, you’ll have opportunities to assume leadership roles within the team, developing valuable skills that will serve you both on and off the ice. We foster an environment that promotes discipline, resilience, and teamwork, empowering you to become a well-rounded individual and a future leader.
06
Student-Athlete Balance
We understand you're a student first. Practice schedules are built around academic commitments. Coaches actively support academic priorities, and the program has a strong track record of graduation rates.

Eligibility

  • Enrolled University of Minnesota Student
    You must be a full-time enrolled student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Graduate students are eligible. Part-time enrollment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • ACHA Eligibility Requirements
    Players must meet ACHA eligibility standards, including GPA minimums and amateur status rules. Players who have exhausted NCAA or NAIA eligibility may still be eligible under ACHA guidelines.
  • No Prior College Program Restriction
    You do not need to have played high school or junior hockey to try out. All skaters who are enrolled students are welcome. We evaluate players at tryouts regardless of prior level.
  • Financial Commitment
    Players accepted to the roster are required to pay annual program dues. Dues cover a portion of ice time, travel, and operations. The coaching staff will communicate the full cost structure upon roster acceptance.
Program At a Glance
DivisionACHA D-II
DivisionWCCHA Midwest
Home RinkRidder Arena
SeasonOct – Mar
Practice Days3–4x / Week
Roster Size~28 Players
Games / Season30+

Tryouts

01
Register Online
Fill out the tryout registration form with your hockey background, position, and contact information. Registration opens each August for fall tryouts.
August
02
Attend Tryout Sessions
We hold two to three on-ice sessions at Ridder Arena over the course of a week. Bring your full gear. Coaches evaluate skating, compete level, hockey sense, and coachability.
Early September
03
Roster Decisions
Coaching staff reviews all candidates and makes roster decisions within 72 hours of the final session. All tryout participants will receive direct communication on their status.
Mid September
04
Season Begins
Accepted players complete paperwork, pay dues, and begin preseason practice. The regular season kicks off in October. Exhibition games may be scheduled in late September.
October

FAQ

No. While most of our roster players come from high school varsity, junior, or prep hockey backgrounds, we evaluate all skaters at tryouts regardless of prior level.

Annual player dues are approximately $1,200–$1,800, depending on the season. This covers ice time, officiating fees, travel, equipment maintenance, and administrative costs. Travel expenses (hotel, meals) may be partially subsidized through fundraising efforts. The full cost breakdown is provided to all accepted players before they commit.

The active roster is typically 26–28 skaters plus two goaltenders. The number of open spots each year varies depending on graduating seniors and returning players. In a typical year we have 6–10 open spots.

Practices run three to four times per week, typically in the early morning or late evening to accommodate class schedules. Weekend home games are usually Friday and Saturday nights. Away series involve travel Thursday evening through Sunday. During the regular season, expect to commit 15–20 hours per week including travel. Finals weeks are respected, we do not schedule games or mandatory practices during finals.

Yes. Transfer students and graduate students are fully eligible under ACHA rules as long as they are enrolled at the University of Minnesota. Players who previously played NCAA hockey may have restrictions on their ACHA eligibility, contact our coaching staff to discuss your specific situation before registering for tryouts.

Tryout dates for the 2026–27 season will be announced in August 2026. Registration typically opens in mid-August. Follow our social media channels and check back here for official dates.

Contact Us

Have questions about eligibility, tryouts, or what it's like to be part of the program? Reach out directly.

7 + 8 =

Head Coach
Luke Johnson
Head Coach · 7 Years

"I am excited to coach and mentor these young men as they continue to play hockey at a very competitive level within the collegiate ranks of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. I strive to be a positive influence both on and off the ice for this excellent group of young men."

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