New Boy’s High School Hockey Conference Formed

A new boy’s high school hockey conference has been organized and will begin competition next season in 2009-2010. The Two Rivers Hockey Conference will include eight teams from the Twin Cities and north along the I-35 corridor. Charter member teams include Meadow Creek Christian, Minneapolis East, Minneapolis West, Moose Lake, Mora, North Branch, Pine City, and Webster (WI).

According to Rick Peterson, conference committee chairman and Athletic Director at Meadow Creek; “The forming of a new hockey conference will meet a need to manage travel expenses and improve the competitive experience of student-athletes. All of the teams in the new conference competed as independents this season.”

Though the conference formed relatively quickly, the origins began many years ago. Wally Connaker, Athletic Director at Pine City explains, “We attempted to organize a conference like this in the past, but the timing never seemed to be right. Teams were either affiliated with other conferences, or in some cases, not far enough along in the development of their hockey programs. This year everything just fell into place.”

The name of the conference, Two Rivers, has a unique meaning. Dave Wicker, Athletic Director at Patrick Henry helps to coordinate the Minneapolis West team, a co-op of several Minneapolis schools. “The two rivers are the Mississippi and the St. Croix. All of the teams in the conference are located relatively close to one of the rivers.”

Another unique aspect of the new conference is the inclusion of a team from Wisconsin. “It really made sense”, said Connaker. “Many of the teams in the new conference already play Webster each season. All of the teams are close to the same competitive level.”

All of the teams in the Two Rivers Conference will follow the eligibility and competition rules of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). Most of the schools already have junior varsity teams which will be included in the competition schedule.

“This is an exciting new adventure”, said Peterson. “It’s a credit to the athletic directors and coaches from each school to be able to see the conference become a reality. We are committed to work together to give the best experience possible to the student-athletes.”

For More information Contact:

Rick Peterson, Two Rivers Conference Chairman

Meadow Creek Christian School

3037 NW Bunker Lake Blvd.

Andover, MN 55304

763-427-4595 ext. 452

rpete@meadowcreeksaints.org