Youth hockey can have a profound impact on the lives of young athletes, teaching them valuable life lessons and fostering a lifelong passion for the sport.
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The Mid-States Club Hockey Association (MSCHA)
The Mid-States Club Hockey Association (MSCHA) stands as the premier high school hockey league in Missouri, often simply referred to as Mid-States. Comprising teams from the St. Louis metro area, all currently located within Missouri, the league has a rich history dating back to 1971.
Originally known as the Area High School Club Hockey League, the MSCHA was established with significant financial support and sponsorship from Union Electric, as well as backing from the St. Louis Blues. The Blues contributed by donating the Challenge Cup for the league's champion and providing free access to The Arena for the final game.
At the time, organized youth hockey was experiencing a boom in the St. Louis area, largely due to the Blues' arrival and subsequent appearances in three Stanley Cup finals. Eight teams competed in that inaugural season, with DeSmet claiming the first championship. Of those original eight teams, only three - SLUH, CBC, and DeSmet - have participated in every Mid-States season.
The league experienced rapid expansion, reaching a peak of over 50 teams in its second year, during which it also adopted its current name, MSCHA. However, it also faced a high rate of attrition, with clubs disbanding due to player losses or the withdrawal of school support. Nevertheless, the league thrived throughout the 1970s.
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The 1980s brought several periods of change, including the establishment of a JV league for younger players and the addition of schools from new population centers like West St. Louis County and St. Charles County. The 1990s witnessed a shift in power from North County teams, such as the Hazelwood schools, to newer West County sides and those in St. Charles. In addition to the rapid formation of new school teams (leading to a brief experiment in tiered competition), several former clubs, including charter member Whitfield, rejoined the league.
The New Millennium and Beyond
The new millennium presented MSCHA with a wealth of opportunities as the St. Louis hockey scene flourished, with players like the Stastny brothers, Paul and Yan, and goaltender Ben Bishop honing their NHL-caliber skills on high school teams. The league secured a television contract with local cable provider Charter Communications, allowing league and playoff games, including the finals, to be broadcast to homes throughout the area.
However, a series of unfortunate incidents cast a shadow on this success, including a Priory skater suffering a concussion from a late hit against Affton, brawls among fans (particularly at Clayton-Ladue games, where riot police were called in on several occasions), and an incident where a Zumwalt South player physically assaulted a referee, who retaliated.
At the conclusion of the regular season, the top 12 teams engage in a round-robin format playoff, culminating in the Challenge Cup championship game. The next 16 ranked teams participate in a similar round-robin playoff for the Wickenheiser Memorial Cup.
The Mid America High School Hockey League (MAHSHL)
Established for the 2009-2010 season, the Mid America High School Hockey League (MAHSHL) replaced the Kansas City Metro Area High School Hockey League (KCMAHSHL), which ceased operations for 2008-09. The league comprises teams from Arkansas, Oklahoma, northern, western, and central Missouri, as well as teams from eastern and southern Kansas.
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The MAHSHL differs from the Mid-States Club Hockey Association in that only one team is affiliated with a specific high school. The remaining teams are aligned with a group of school districts.
The closure of numerous teams in the Kansas City area over a short period was primarily driven by the loss of all ice rinks in the southern portion of the metropolitan area. The King Louie West Ice Chateau in Overland Park, Kansas, closed in 2007, followed by Pepsi Ice Midwest in 2011, resulting in the loss of the remaining three ice rinks in the southern Kansas City area.
| Year | Champion |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Wichita Jr. |
| 2018 | Wichita Jr. |
Parkway West Boys Hockey: Wickenheiser Cup Champions
On Feb. 28, the Parkway West boys hockey team achieved a historic milestone by becoming the Wickenheiser Cup champions for the first time in school history. Playing against the Rockwood Summit hockey team at the Centene Community Ice Center, the team secured a 3-1 victory.
The Mid-States Club Hockey Association Wickenheiser Cup is one of three playoff championships, alongside the Challenge Cup and the Founder’s Cup, awarded each year to the top St. Louis area boys hockey teams. The team had an overall successful season, with close wins and sweeps alike. Team captain and senior Ethan Smith highlighted their first game against Oakville as particularly memorable, noting its closeness despite the 4-2 scoreline.
The players also engaged in team-building activities, such as dyeing their hair, to demonstrate camaraderie and love for hockey. The journey to the final game was long but rewarding, filled with personal growth and bonding for all members of the team. The team's hard work and dedication culminated in a landmark victory that will be remembered for years to come.
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The Role of a Youth Hockey Coach
Being a youth hockey coach is more than just teaching the fundamentals of the game. It's about providing a positive and supportive environment for young athletes to grow, both on and off the ice. One coach shared his personal reasons for coaching, emphasizing the importance of being a consistent and reliable presence in the lives of young players, especially those who may be facing challenges in their personal lives. The rink becomes a sanctuary, a place where they can escape the pressures of school and home and focus on the joy of playing hockey.
Black Bear Sports Group is dedicated to strengthening hockey communities and expanding access to the sport at all levels. Through thoughtful rink management, structured competition, and a commitment to player growth, they ensure that the game remains accessible, competitive, and positioned for long-term success. Whether it’s keeping rinks open, providing high-quality leagues, or offering direct pathways for advancement, their focus is always on supporting the sport and all those who share a love of the game.