15 Reasons Why The Forest Lake Hockey Association Is Minnesota's Next Youth Hockey Powerhouse (2025-2026)
The Forest Lake Hockey Association (FLHA) is currently gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying 2025-2026 season, solidifying its reputation as a premier youth sports organization in the state of Minnesota. As of today, December 23, 2025, the FLHA has opened registration for nearly all program levels, from the foundational Junior Rangers to the competitive Bantam/15U teams, ensuring a smooth transition for hundreds of young athletes into the ice hockey season. This commitment to early planning and comprehensive programming is a core reason why the "Rangers community" is known as a tight-knit family dedicated to both athletic performance and critical life lessons.
The Association's mission goes beyond the ice, focusing on building character, fostering a competitive spirit, and maintaining a fun, safe environment for all participants from the Forest Lake School District. The FLHA boasts a robust structure, supporting over 600 players and a dedicated network of coaches and volunteer families. This powerful combination of community support and structured development makes the FLHA a major player in Minnesota's youth hockey landscape.
The 2025-2026 Season: Program Levels and Key Entities
The Forest Lake Hockey Association provides a comprehensive pathway for youth hockey development, ensuring every player, regardless of experience, has a place to grow. The structure is designed to progress players from their first steps on the ice to competitive high school play.
FLHA Program Development Pipeline
- Junior Rangers (Ages 3–7): The entry point for new players with little to no skating experience. The Winter 2025-2026 Junior Rangers registration is currently open, focusing on fundamental skills in a low-pressure environment.
- Mini-Mites: The next step for the youngest players, focusing on fun and basic hockey concepts. Registration for the 2025-2026 Mini-Mites Season is open for players born between June 1, 2019, and August 31, 2021.
- Mites / 8U: A key developmental stage where players begin to refine their skills in preparation for more structured play. The 2025-2026 Mites/8U Season registration is also open.
- Squirts / 10U & Peewee / 12U: These levels introduce more competitive play and advanced team strategies. The 2025-2026 season is set to be highly competitive for these age groups.
- Bantam / 15U & Jr. Gold: The final stages of youth hockey, preparing players for the transition to the high-level competition of the Forest Lake High School Rangers.
A crucial component of the FLHA’s operation is the Volunteer Hours Program, which ensures the organization runs smoothly through the dedication of its member families. This collective effort is what truly defines the community's strength.
The Leadership Driving FLHA’s Success
The association's current success is directly attributable to its dedicated Board of Directors, a group of volunteers committed to upholding the FLHA’s mission. Their continuous oversight ensures the programs remain competitive, safe, and financially sound for the Forest Lake community.
The 2025-2026 FLHA leadership includes a robust team of professionals, demonstrating deep community involvement and a commitment to youth sports development. This extensive list of key entities shows the breadth of the organization's structure, which is vital for managing over 600 athletes.
Forest Lake Hockey Association Board of Directors (2025-2026)
- Executive Board: Gary Bies, Chris Hill, Dennis Angrimson, Andrew Erickson, Nicolette DeLoye.
- General Board Members: Tim Gibson, Brianna Pyka, Erika Siverhus, Tim Ryan, Danielle Hinze, Ashley Bramer, Brad VanTassel, Matt Folsom.
This leadership group is responsible for everything from facility management at the Forest Lake Sports Center to overseeing the annual FLake Jam tournament, a major event that saw its 2025 brackets updated as recently as November, indicating active, real-time management of the association’s schedule.
The Facilities and Community Impact
The physical hub of the FLHA is the Forest Lake Sports Center, a critical asset for the entire community. Located at 5530 206th Street North, Forest Lake, MN 55025, this 800-seat, multi-rink arena is owned and operated by the Forest Lake Area Schools. This partnership between the association and the school district is essential, providing high-quality ice time and facilities for all age groups, from Mini-Mites to the High School Rangers.
The facility is not just a place for games; it’s a training ground that adheres to the standards of Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey, ensuring the highest level of safety and coaching. The accessibility of a quality rink like the Sports Center is a major draw for families considering youth hockey in the region.
FLHA's Connection to High-Level Success
The FLHA’s robust youth program is directly linked to the success of the Forest Lake High School Rangers, serving as a vital feeder system. The association actively supports the high school teams, creating a continuous pipeline of talent. This connection is a strong selling point for parents looking for a long-term athletic home for their children.
The impact of the FLHA is evident in the achievements of its alumni. For instance, the perseverance and success of former players like CJ, who was recently inducted into the Forest Lake Area High School Hall of Fame, serve as a powerful inspiration for the next generation of Forest Lake hockey players. Furthermore, the 2024-2025 season saw a player from Forest Lake, MN, named to the All-Rookie Team in the New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA), a testament to the foundational skills developed within the FLHA and the Forest Lake School District.
The association’s focus on development, from the introductory Junior Rangers to the competitive Bantam A level, ensures that whether a player aims for the NHL or simply to learn valuable life lessons, the FLHA provides the necessary structure, coaching, and community support to achieve their goals. The 2025-2026 season promises to continue this tradition of excellence, making the Forest Lake Hockey Association a true powerhouse in Minnesota youth sports.
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