Mission Statement

The Morning Hockey League was formed in 1993 for the purpose of providing adult hockey players (over 30 years old) with the opportunity to play recreational hockey in a fun and relaxed environment. The league is administered by the players, and as such, the league balances its 6 teams with experienced and novice players alike. The emphasis is on low-key competition in a no check environment where every person has an equal opportunity to play. Safe and responsible play is of paramount importance since the age range spans from 30s to 60s among our players. The league's skills range is equally diverse, requiring an on ice awareness in avoiding potential injury from overly aggressive play. While the Morning League does tally game results and player statistics, our emphasis is on fun and accountability on ice and comradery among all players off ice. Good sportsmanship extends to all, including teammates, opponents and referees.

Captains are designated for each of the 6 teams. The team captains and the Morning League Commissioner help oversee the administration of the league which includes team rosters, league finances, player discipline and other matters related to the operation of the league. In addition, the league administration includes a scheduler and a financial manager. Morning League business is determined by a vote of the captains and the Commisioner.

While infrequent, Morning League discipline matters can be presented to the captains and Commissioner for review and a vote. The referees retain total control of all on-ice penalties and/or suspensions resulting from rules infractions. The League, however, reserves the right to review matters that include unsafe, aggressive play, abuse of officials, off ice incidents or instigator / fighting actions. Reasonable effort will be made to identify the facts of each issue before a disciplinary decision is made. Discipline is typically limited to a short 1 to 3 game suspension. However, players can and will be prohibited from further participation if they continue in a pattern of flagrant violations of league policy.

Our "seasons" consist of a 16 game regular season schedule followed by a playoff week. After each season, teams are rebalanced based on prior season performance, player departures/ additions and goalie rotation. The objective is to provide competitive play and to foster comradery among all players by rotating them among all teams.

The Morning League operates out of the YMCA Rink in Bethel Park, PA. Games are scheduled Mondays through Thursdays with a 6:10 AM start time. A 20 minute running clock is used for each period. If games remained tied after regulation play, a 5 minute sudden-death overtime period is played. If the game remains tied, a shoot-out is used to determine the winner. The league plays year round with typically a 2 week break around the Christmas Holiday.