Ten years ago, Minnesota Hockey launched its CCM High Performance Fall Tier I program with a bold vision: to offer elite development opportunities while preserving and supporting Minnesota’s unique community model.
A decade later, the results speak for themselves.
Over the past few weeks, Minnesota teams captured eight national titles at the 2025 USA Hockey National Championships — far more than any other state in the country.
National Championships by State:
MN - 8
MA - 3
PA - 2
SD, VA, NC, MD, ME, FL, OR, WI, MI, UT, NE, NY, RI - 1 each
“It was absolutely a big week,” said Jeremy Reed, Tier I Director and Vice President of Hockey Operations for Minnesota Hockey. “We had National Champions, but also several other teams with fantastic showings. I think this is one of the best performances we’ve ever had at Nationals.”
- Minnesota Blue Ox – Youth Tier I 14U Champions
Watch their title win - Minnesota Lakers – Girls Tier II 14U 2A Champions
Read more - Premier Prep Orange – Girls Tier II 16U 2A Champions
Read more - MN Silver – Girls Tier I 16U Champions
Watch their title win - Premier Prep White Yetis – Girls Tier II 19U 2A Champions
Read more
Home Is Where the Hockey Is
While many “top” programs across the country operate year-round and require players to travel extensively or relocate, Minnesota Hockey’s Tier I model allows players to stay home, compete in their local communities, and still shine on the national stage.
“Our players don’t have to leave home to chase elite hockey,” Reed said. “The Tier I program offers high-level opportunities before and after the regular season while still supporting our core values. Minnesota kids can represent their communities with pride and gain national exposure.”
Take the Minnesota Blue Ox, for example. Their Youth Tier I 14U National Championship team was made up entirely of players from Districts 15 and 16 in northern Minnesota — a tight geographic area that outplayed larger, more centralized AAA programs from across the country.
It proves you don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars, move across the country or play year-round to compete.
“This model works,” Reed said. “It just goes to show the talent that we have here and that we’re committed to the community model while also offering more. The blueprint was established by the people that came before us. We’re sticking with our core values where players are able to stay home with their friends and families.”
Room to Grow
Minnesota Hockey is always looking to improve.
“There’s still room to grow,” said Reed. “We’re constantly looking at how we can improve the Tier I experience while staying true to our community model. We’ve shown that this can be a blueprint for success — and the results prove it.”
As the program enters its second decade, families and players interested in Fall Tier I opportunities should be aware that registration begins each spring following Nationals, with tryouts held between May and July. Teams compete from August through October, with many earning the chance to compete for Nationals.
Minnesota’s community model, supported by Tier I and High Performance programs, continues to drive results.
“Those are some of the best memories and relationships that kids will have,” Reed said. “The way we look at it in Minnesota, it’s the best of both worlds.”
What Interested Players/Families Need to Know:
o Fall League registration begins in the Spring, after the conclusion of the USA Hockey National Championships.
o Specific tryout dates, times and locations vary and are scheduled by the leagues and/or districts to take place between May and July. Tryouts are limited to Minnesota residents only.
o Competition schedule also varies by league, age and/or district and runs from August through October.
o The number of games played for each team varies by age, typically between 14-20 games (plus playoffs for many classifications).
o Each age classification will conduct a League playoff at the end of its season. When applicable, 3 to 4 teams will continue to the District playoffs where they will play for a bid at USA Hockey Nationals (in some cases, teams may be invited to the National Tournament as an at-large bid).
o Cost varies by league. For 14U and 15U, there will be a tryout/registration fee of $110. Players that make the team are charged an additional fee by their district to cover the cost of practices, jerseys, team staff and league/playoff fees. Teams will be made aware of expected costs prior to the season starting.
o League play is governed by USA Hockey Tier I rules.
o For more information, visit https://www.minnesotahockey.org/tier1
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