Minnesota PowerHockey League
Tax deductible
The Minnesota PowerHockey League (MPHL), founded as the U.S. Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (U.S. EWHA) was a grassroots effort by a group of friends to promote and develop the sport now known as PowerHockey. The original founders met at an MDA summer camp in the 80's where they played a similar version of the sport and created an ongoing camp tradition competing for the annual “Stan Can”. With a passion to play when not at camp, the friends began to look beyond Minnesota for others who also played similar forms of hockey. Competition was found, first at an international tournament in Germany then soon after at various leagues and events in Canada.
As time went on and the sport became more organized across North America the U.S. EWHA began doing business as the Minnesota PowerHockey League (MPHL) to better reflect our Minnesota league, players and programs but the original mission continued; to be the headquarters where others around the country and world would be informed of rules, tournaments and can obtain support in starting their own team or league.
The U.S. EWHA/MPHL established the first US organized power wheelchair hockey league in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area in April 1997. Now in its twenty second year, we have over 40 players on three teams who compete in an eight game regular season. The season finishes with the teams competing in a playoff tournament for the MN League Championship Trophy.
Beyond Minnesota, the U.S. EWHA/MPHL has helped support and lead the way for additional PowerHockey events and nationwide leagues and teams to grow. In 2001, Minnesota hosted the PowerHockey Cup; the first ever US tournament in history comprised of teams from the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. The tournament laid the groundwork and raised the expectations for the sport and future events. Today, through the North American PowerHockey Association (NAPHA), we work with all the US and Canadian leagues to grow and develop the PowerHockey Cup which is held every other year in various cities with PowerHockey leagues.
Even though most participants are severely physically disabled, they want the same opportunities as anyone else. They want an opportunity to participate. PowerHockey gives this to them. The MPHL strives to raise the expectations of: A) our athletes and B) power wheelchair sports programs.
A. These athletes are physically challenged, but still very capable. The sport of PowerHockey breaks down barriers that challenge this portion of the disabled community. The athletes, perhaps for the first time in their life, are challenged. Along with good healthy competition, the athletes learn very important life attributes such as goal setting, teamwork, and good sportsmanship to just name a few. As with any sport, these athletes develop encouragement, self-confidence, and self-esteem that are then carried from the gym to their home, school, work and community.
B. It is hard to find a quality wheelchair team sports program for power wheelchair users. The MPHL answer these needs not being served by Special Olympics or Paralympic programs. Participants want more than just an hour of recreational gym time every now and then. They want the total sport experience.
PowerHockey is ideal for male and female participants, requiring the use of a power wheelchair. Players do not need assistance from able-bodied persons during the play of the game. The sport means total independence and equality. No other sport requiring the use of a power wheelchair allows it’s participants to play with minimal assistance from able-bodied persons.
PowerHockey rules follow the basic rules found in any hockey league around the country. Off-sides and penalties are routine calls during the game. Players can serve from 2 to 5 minute penalties for such things as interference, delay of game, holding, high sticking and roughing. Unlike other hockey leagues, PowerHockey requires a few adaptations to allow everyone to participate on an equal level. Some adaptations include using hockey sticks made from lightweight plastic materials and a lightweight plastic ball is substituted for the puck. The games are also played in a gymnasium (basketball court) instead of on ice.
We have a number of volunteer opportunities available for people who want to be involved in our organization.
We typically need volunteers one to two weekend dates per month from May through September. Our most common volunteer roles are:
• Referees
• Statisticians & Timekeepers
• P.A. Announcers
• Photographers & Videographers
• Fundraising & Sponsorships
• Equipment Set-up / Take-down
The MPHL greatly appreciates donations from hockey fans and businesses in our community! Donations are the only source of funding for the operation and growth of our sport.
As time went on and the sport became more organized across North America the U.S. EWHA began doing business as the Minnesota PowerHockey League (MPHL) to better reflect our Minnesota league, players and programs but the original mission continued; to be the headquarters where others around the country and world would be informed of rules, tournaments and can obtain support in starting their own team or league.
The U.S. EWHA/MPHL established the first US organized power wheelchair hockey league in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area in April 1997. Now in its twenty second year, we have over 40 players on three teams who compete in an eight game regular season. The season finishes with the teams competing in a playoff tournament for the MN League Championship Trophy.
Beyond Minnesota, the U.S. EWHA/MPHL has helped support and lead the way for additional PowerHockey events and nationwide leagues and teams to grow. In 2001, Minnesota hosted the PowerHockey Cup; the first ever US tournament in history comprised of teams from the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. The tournament laid the groundwork and raised the expectations for the sport and future events. Today, through the North American PowerHockey Association (NAPHA), we work with all the US and Canadian leagues to grow and develop the PowerHockey Cup which is held every other year in various cities with PowerHockey leagues.
Even though most participants are severely physically disabled, they want the same opportunities as anyone else. They want an opportunity to participate. PowerHockey gives this to them. The MPHL strives to raise the expectations of: A) our athletes and B) power wheelchair sports programs.
A. These athletes are physically challenged, but still very capable. The sport of PowerHockey breaks down barriers that challenge this portion of the disabled community. The athletes, perhaps for the first time in their life, are challenged. Along with good healthy competition, the athletes learn very important life attributes such as goal setting, teamwork, and good sportsmanship to just name a few. As with any sport, these athletes develop encouragement, self-confidence, and self-esteem that are then carried from the gym to their home, school, work and community.
B. It is hard to find a quality wheelchair team sports program for power wheelchair users. The MPHL answer these needs not being served by Special Olympics or Paralympic programs. Participants want more than just an hour of recreational gym time every now and then. They want the total sport experience.
PowerHockey is ideal for male and female participants, requiring the use of a power wheelchair. Players do not need assistance from able-bodied persons during the play of the game. The sport means total independence and equality. No other sport requiring the use of a power wheelchair allows it’s participants to play with minimal assistance from able-bodied persons.
PowerHockey rules follow the basic rules found in any hockey league around the country. Off-sides and penalties are routine calls during the game. Players can serve from 2 to 5 minute penalties for such things as interference, delay of game, holding, high sticking and roughing. Unlike other hockey leagues, PowerHockey requires a few adaptations to allow everyone to participate on an equal level. Some adaptations include using hockey sticks made from lightweight plastic materials and a lightweight plastic ball is substituted for the puck. The games are also played in a gymnasium (basketball court) instead of on ice.
We have a number of volunteer opportunities available for people who want to be involved in our organization.
We typically need volunteers one to two weekend dates per month from May through September. Our most common volunteer roles are:
• Referees
• Statisticians & Timekeepers
• P.A. Announcers
• Photographers & Videographers
• Fundraising & Sponsorships
• Equipment Set-up / Take-down
The MPHL greatly appreciates donations from hockey fans and businesses in our community! Donations are the only source of funding for the operation and growth of our sport.
Organizer
Craig McClellan
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
Disabled Sports USA (U S Electric Wheelchair Hockey Assn)
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
