Minor League Hockey returning to NW Minnesota
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 5, 2025
Professional Minor League Hockey Returns to Northwest Minnesota
THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN – For the first time in nearly 30 years a professional minor league hockey team will take to the ice in Northwestern Minnesota. A press conference for the team launch will take place on November 12, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Ralph Engelstad Arena 525 Brooks Ave, Thief River Falls.
The Ralph Engelstad Arena will open their doors to roughly 3800 hockey fans for the 2026-2027 hockey season. Travis Collins, general manager for the arena, is thrilled to have the new team come to town; “We’re incredibly proud to welcome professional hockey to Thief River Falls and the Ralph Engelstad Arena. This franchise is an investment in our community- bringing people to our city, supporting local businesses, and keeping our building moving forward.”
The team which will be part of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) will consist of a team of 20 players mostly native Minnesotans ranging from 22-31 years of age. The FPHL is made up of 16 teams from around the country including teams located in Topeka, KS; Port Huron, MI; and Indianapolis, IN. Operating in its sixteenth season, the FPHL has an average nightly attendance of 3000 fans and provides affordable entertainment that the entire family can enjoy.
FPHL Founder and Commissioner, Don Kirnan, is excited about the expansion of the league in a great community, “We couldn’t ask for a better place than Thief River Falls and the surrounding communities to launch the league’s newest team. Minnesota is the home of hockey and we could not be happier.”
Likewise, Thief River Falls Mayor, Mike Lorenson, is also enthusiastic about the new team coming to town. “Hockey runs deep in Northwest Minnesota, and welcoming a professional team to the Ralph Engelstad Arena is something we can all be proud of. This is a win not just for Thief River Falls, but for our entire region.”
The team’s season will officially commence October of 2026 and will play through April of 2027. Game nights will be sure to entertain with high quality hockey along with fun themed nights including Elvis-Skate, Rattle and Roll Night, Dress like Your Dad Night and a Night to Support our Military.
The team name has yet to be decided, but the local community will be involved with the process of naming the team. The league is also on the look out for a head coach who will be named at a later date.
Ticket prices will range from $14.00 to $23.00 and season tickets will be available for individual fans and businesses at the commencement of the press conference.
Several exhibition games will take place prior to the 2026-2027 season. For more information please check out the FPHL website www.federalhockey.com
