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Lakes Area Hockey Association was formed in 2001. A tough bunch of kids and coaches played outdoors for 11 years while a dedicated group of volunteers worked to raise the funds and build the "Rink of Dreams" that is now the Lakes Ice Arena. Our hockey program has grown to over 100 players and has inspired the introduction of other sports to the facility including figure skating, curling, and lacrosse. 

The Lakes Ice Arena which is the current home of the LAHA was built in the year 2013, and houses one NHL size ice sheet. It is located on Sunner Ave in Spirit Lake between 36th St and 41st St. The Lakes Ice Arena center is open 6 months of the year and provides LAHA a first-class facility for its home games, practices and tournaments.

The Lakes Area Hockey Association has an automated online registration system overseen by our association Registrar. The Lakes Area Hockey Association offers an installment program for all age divisions. Guidelines set by the Association for collection of these payments is through the Crossbar system. All monies are overseen by our Association Treasurer, and failure to pay may result in your player not being able to play not only for LAHA but also to any other Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota program.

LAHA offers several different programs for its members and provides options for all levels of play for both boys and girls of all ages. You are not required to have skating lessons prior to joining the Lakes Area Hockey Association. Depending on the age of your player, there are 3 programs that we offer: Competitive Travel; High School Hockey; and 8U/Mite (eight years of age and younger).

Competitive Travel (10U/Squirt, 12U/Pee Wee, 14U/Bantam, 18U/High School)

LAHA provides Competitive Travel Teams for ages 10U/Squirt, 12U/Pee Wee, 14U/Bantam. The teams compete in the Minnesota District 4 league, along with many other Southwest Minnesota associations. Players that are selected for these teams are generally more competitive and require a larger commitment for players and parents. These teams are leveled according to ability and typically practice 3 times a week, with 1 to 4 games on the weekends. The table below provides an overview of the age divisions and levels available at LAHA. Depending on participant numbers and ability level, all levels may not be available each year. 

Ages are determined by the age of the player on 12/31 of the year the season begins. 

High School Travel (18U)

LAHA provides High School Travel Teams for ages 18 and under. The teams compete in the Midwest High School Hockey league, along with many other Iowa Hockey associations. Players that are selected for these teams are generally more competitive and require a larger commitment for players and parents. These teams are leveled according to ability and typically practice 4-5 times a week, with 1 to 4 games on the weekends.

8U/Mite Program

The primary focus in the 8U/Mite Program is to introduce fundamentals and skill development while making it fun and developing a passion for the game. The 8U/Mite Program at Lakes Area Hockey Association will continue to follow the USA Hockey ADM (American Development Model). Please visit the USA Hockey link for more information on the ADM at www.admkids.com/. In keeping with USA Hockey ADM, this season our Mite Division will consist of Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced levels.

The 8U/Mite Program will set the foundation for the players' hockey development and prepare them to progress through the older age divisions (10U/Squirt, 12U/Pee Wee, 14U/Bantam, and 18U/High School) where opportunities exist at Lakes Area Hockey to play on competitive travel.

Every child that participates at LAHA is required to pay registration fees for their participation. The registration fees vary based on age, level of play, and additional team costs. These fee are collected by the formal registration system. Typically, registration fees for mites are lowest and travel team registration fees are the highest. These fees vary slightly year to year and by age division and program. All fees are paid to LAHA and are used to pay for games, practices, and other per team costs associated with running the Association.

In addition to LAHA registration fees, each Team may collect a team fee for additional expenditures and may be used to purchase team apparel, cover tournament fees, and other team expenses. These fees are typically at the discretion of the coach and/or team manager/treasurer.

LAHA does have a Financial Assistance program where players families can receive financial help from the association to pay for player registration fees. Financial Assistance does require a detailed application to be filled out regarding the family’s financial need. All requests for Financial Assistance are reviewed by the Financial Assistance Committee and are given out based solely on need.