In Edina, Minnesota, the summer ice hockey tradition known as Da Beauty League is concluding its decade-long run. Established in 2015, the league became a popular offseason destination for hockey players and fans, featuring current and former NHL athletes alongside rising talents in a competitive yet relaxed environment. The league’s final summer season is taking place in August 2023, wrapping up with playoffs scheduled for the upcoming Monday and Wednesday.
Da Beauty League began as a local initiative to bring together Minnesota’s hockey community during the offseason, initially attracting NHL players such as Zach Parise, Brock Nelson, Ryan McDonagh, Nate Schmidt, Anders Lee, and Dustin Byfuglien. Over time, the league grew in stature and attendance, regularly drawing crowds of around 2,000 fans per game night at Braemar Arena, a high school rink in Edina. The league also developed a philanthropic component, raising nearly $700,000 for local charities through ticket sales, which currently cost $15 for adults, with children under 48 inches admitted free.
The league was co-founded by former NHL players Ben Hankinson, Chris McAlpine, and Keith Ballard, along with organizers Josh Schaub, Terry Moore, and Tony Michel. Hankinson, who played three NHL seasons in the 1990s, highlighted the league’s unexpectedly swift growth after a rocky start in the first season, when player participation was uncertain. Eventually, it came to host over 100 NHL players across its six men's teams, with seven NHL players typically rostered per team in its early years.
In recent seasons, Da Beauty League introduced a women’s game featuring notable players such as Taylor Heise and Lee Stecklein, further broadening its appeal and showcasing talent from the Premier Women’s Hockey League. While enthusiasm among fans remains strong, the league faced challenges scheduling regular appearances by top players due to their summer commitments, prompting a scale-back in the number of men’s games before deciding to conclude after this season.
John Scott, a former NHL enforcer and the league’s unofficial commissioner, praised Da Beauty League for maintaining a casual, family-friendly atmosphere despite its high-caliber participants. He noted that the league’s culture embodies a genuine community spirit, contrasting with the more intense environments found in larger hockey markets. The league’s championship trophy, prominently featuring a silhouette of Scott celebrating his 2016 NHL All-Star MVP award, symbolizes that spirit.
For many players, Da Beauty League served as both a nostalgic gathering place and a platform for mentorship. Brock Faber and other younger players who once watched from the stands eventually earned spots on the ice, while college athletes like Jake Sibell found opportunities to compete alongside NHL veterans. Sibell recalled the unique league rules, such as the “hot puck,” which doubled the value of goals during certain periods, adding excitement to the competition.
The league also attracted dedicated fans and local contributors like Ryan and Katie Dufrene from Austin, Texas, who became regular attendees and volunteers after discovering the league online. Ryan now plays the trumpet for the national anthem and pregame festivities, enhancing the event’s carnival-like atmosphere.
Despite its conclusion, Da Beauty League leaves a lasting legacy within Minnesota’s hockey culture. Bonnie Hankinson, mother of league co-founder Ben Hankinson, has helped operate merchandise sales throughout the league’s history and expressed optimism about the future of local hockey, noting that the sport’s enduring appeal will continue at all levels.
As Da Beauty League closes its chapter, participants and fans alike reflect on the league’s role in blending professional talent, grassroots passion, and community engagement in a format that celebrated hockey’s accessible and inclusive spirit.