2026-2027 Glacier Hockey League Winter Season
The Glacier Hockey League (GHL) is Missoula’s recreational adult hockey league. The winter season features nine divisions for players of varying skill levels. Players register either as part of a team or as a free agent (instructions below). Teams must provide their own jerseys as jerseys are not provided by the league.
Player Ratings
To keep our leagues safe, fun, and competitive, we rely on the honesty and integrity of our hockey community. Please review the player ratings below to accurately evaluate your skill level and register for the appropriate division.
- Level 1: Highly skilled players with professional, college (NCAA/ACHA), or junior hockey experience.
- Level 2: Upper-level players with junior, high school, or equivalent competitive youth hockey background.
- Level 3: Solid recreational players. Typically includes adults with significant youth hockey experience, or those who started playing as adults and have mastered game fundamentals and positioning.
- Level 4: Players with limited adult hockey experience who have moved beyond the beginner phase. These players skate at a moderate pace but are still refining their edge work, speed, and execution.
- Level 5: True beginners, along with long-term novice players who prefer or benefit from a slower-paced, low-tempo recreational environment.
Divisions and Nights
Nights and divisions are subject to change based on registration numbers and final scheduling.
Cup
Game Night: Wednesday
Start Times: 7:45–9:45 pm
Recommended for: Level 1 players, with a limited number of Level 2 players per roster.
Our highest division, featuring an extremely fast, highly structured, and competitive environment.
Advanced
Game Night: Monday
Start Times: 7:30–11:30 pm
Recommended for: Level 2 players, with a limited number of Level 1 players per roster.
A fast-paced, competitive division tailored for experienced skaters.
Competitive
Game Night: Sunday
Start Times: 6:30–10:00 pm
Recommended for: A mix of Level 2 and Level 3 players.
A fast, organized-tempo division that bridges the gap between upper-tier and intermediate-level play.
Intermediate Bitterroot
Game Nights: Tuesday and Wednesday
Start Times: Tuesday: 7:15–11:00 pm; Wednesday: 10:15 or 11:00 pm
Recommended for: Level 3 players.
A moderate-to-fast tempo division with organized positioning and consistent puck movement.
Intermediate Clark Fork
Game Nights: Tuesday and Wednesday
Start Times: Tuesday: 7:15–11:00 pm; Wednesday: 10:15 or 11:00 pm
Recommended for: Level 4 players.
A moderate-tempo division ideal for recreational skaters continuing to develop their game speed.
Novice
Game Night: Sunday
Start Times: 6:30–11:15 pm
Recommended for: Level 5 players.
A low-tempo environment focused on fun, safety, and basic game flow. Slap shots are not permitted.
Women’s
Game Night: Wednesday
Start Times: 7:45–11:00 pm
Recommended for: Women of all levels, 1–5.
A welcoming women’s-only division for players of all skill levels.
Hang Loose Divisions (Ages 35+)
Recreation-first divisions for players aged 35 and older. Hang Loose players must turn 35 by December 31 (age cut-off is December 31, 1991).
Hang Loose A
Game Night: Thursday
Start Times: 8:15–11:00 pm
Recommended for: Level 1 and Level 2 players.
A fast-paced, competitive division for veteran upper-tier skaters.
Hang Loose B
Game Nights: Thursday & Sunday
Start Times: Thursday: 7:15–11:00 pm; Sunday: 5:15 pm
Recommended for: Level 3 and Level 4 players.
A moderate-tempo division for seasoned recreational and intermediate players.
Hang Loose C
Game Night: Monday
Start Times: 7:30–11:30 pm
Recommended for: Level 4 and Level 5 players.
A highly laid-back, low-tempo environment. Slap shots are not permitted.
Schedule
The season begins Sunday, November 1, 2026, and runs for 16 weeks. Each team will have 15 regular-season games and one guaranteed playoff game.
Winning teams will advance through the playoffs until they are eliminated or crowned GHL Winter Champions. Division championship series are played as a best-of-three series and will conclude before April.
No Games Scheduled
Games will not be played during the following dates:
- Thanksgiving: November 25–26, 2026
- Christmas Break: December 20, 2026 – January 2, 2027
- Super Bowl Sunday: February 14, 2027
Registration and Fees
Cost
Players: $400
Goalies: $300 (see below)
All players must register with USA Hockey. You cannot register for the league without a current USA Hockey number.
Payment Plans
Payment plans are available for the winter season and require:
- $100 deposit
- $20 payment plan fee
- Stored credit card in FinnlySport, and a credit card on file
Payments will be automatically charged on December 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
Team Invite Registration
Team captains coordinate registration for winter leagues. Here’s how the process works:
Get Your Link/Code: Beginning August 3, team captains will send registration invites or unique team codes. Use that link or code to register through our new FinnlySport registration system.
Secure Your Spot: The deadline to join the team you’ve been invited to is October 4.
Note: Receiving an invite from a captain DOES NOT secure a spot on the roster. Players must COMPLETE the registration process and pay league fees before they are officially added to the team.
Free Agent Registration
Free agent registration opens October 5 and closes October 18. Any remaining roster spots after the team registration deadline will be made available to free agents via FinnlySport.
Draft Night: Monday, October 19 (Free Agents placed on teams)
Goalie Registration
Goalies receive a discounted registration fee. Please email hockey@glaciericerink.com to receive the season-specific goalie discount code.
Choose the appropriate registration button below to use your team code or register as a free agent.
Additional Information
USA Hockey Membership
A 2026-2027 USA Hockey membership is required to register for the GHL and must be purchased separately through USA Hockey.
Finnly Sport Software
New for 2026-2027: Glacier Ice Rink has transitioned to a new online registration system. You’ll need to create a new account before registering, as information from our previous system cannot be transferred.
Refunds
See our Financial Policies for information on registration refunds.
Rules
Download the Adult Hockey Guidebook for complete information about the league and game format.