Dear Hockey Fans:

The days are getting shorter and most Friday nights find us cheering on the local high school football team. This can only mean one thing -- Iowa High School Hockey is right around the corner. WELCOME players, parents and fans to some of the best High School Hockey played in the country.

This is a special year as we celebrate the 30th year of the Iowa High School Hockey League. Along with this celebration we as an organization have recognized a need for transformation. Our rich tradition of providing a proven competitive environment with an exceptional level of play will continue to be our goal. Our emphasis will remain to be on academics, skill development, competition, community and family. We will continue to be the foundation for hundreds of players to move to the next level while living and growing within their local communities, in a family environment, during their formative years. To meet these goals and remain competitive with the ever changing world of youth hockey we must change.

The most major change will occur next year as we retire the name of the league and introduce the Midwest High School Hockey League. It is the belief of senior leadership that this name better represents the geographical make-up of the league and will possibly aid in growth and exposure. Turning over management of the Chicago Showcase Team to the Tri-State Affiliate was the second major change. The thought is to take the resources that the League had previously spent on the few players that made the team each year, and instead, offer opportunities for player development to anyone who hopes to advance to the next level.

I welcome the Cedar Rapids Mustangs this year as they come into the league on their own. As always, we salute our senior players and their parents. May your final high school season be rewarding and provide memories that last a lifetime. I challenge all involved to take time to thank our volunteers, without them the opportunity to “live the dream” would quickly disappear.

I thank the executive committee as they continue to volunteer year round to ensure an environment that is conducive to a high level of fair competition and continued improvement. On behalf of the League’s officers and directors, we wish the teams and their members the best for the season.

Sincerely,
Shawn Spencer
President, IHSHL