League History

   The GHL was founded by a group of adult hockey players transplanted to Missoula. It had the basic beginnings of what it has developed to today. Adults playing a sport for the purpose of fun.
  Pick up hockey was played on ice wherever you could find in Missoula. McCormick Park, Rattlesnake, Playfair Park.  On weekends people shoveled off a spot just off Reserve Street bridge. 
 It had the beginnings of something special with the hard work and vision of the early volunteers, hockey enthusiasts, and anyone that wanted to get involved.

  The league started with an original six teams sponsored by local bars and business owners. A true beer league. It was an independent league separate from what we now know as the Glacier Ice Rink.
  Year after year the GHL improved its #s and had everyone in the league excited and recruiting anyone that had the time to play the late nights. GHL leadership and ideas came together and made the "ball" roll and create a path for where we are.
  They saw the GHL as a great opportunity to invest and improve our facilities at the Fair Grounds. The idea brought the GHL under Glacier Ice Rink as a user group. This ensured that we would have a building, a sheet of ice, and a place to play! With this move the GIR would have more ability to expand their vision.
   Over the years the GHL has had great people to progress our league. It has seen many growth spurts and many rewarding milestones. GHL Commissioners and committee members/players have had a lasting impact on what we see today. (Top 20 in USA hockey) The GHL never seems to rest on what is good in any given year. It will always take the ideas of the players and progress its leagues.
  Without passionate hockey players the GHL could still be that 6 team league playing at playfair!
  -Traver McLeod 2010