What is WAHA:

Washburn Amateur Hockey Association (WAHA) is a competitive, traveling youth hockey program supporting much of the south Minneapolis area (both the Washburn and Roosevelt High School Areas, as well as part of the South High School neighborhood) in Minnesota Hockey’s District 1, which includes Minneapolis and St Paul associations, as well as some associations located in first ring suburbs.   WAHA offers boys and girls ages 4-18 years of age with an accelerated hockey program at the Mini Mite, Mite and U8, Squirt and U10, Peewee and U12, Bantam and U14 levels of play.   The organization, a member of the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA, also know simply as “Minnesota Hockey”), is run primarily by volunteers and is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 entity.  WAHA’s purpose is both charitable and educational.   Ice time to support practice and games is purchased at ice arenas located in the Minneapolis metro area.  Games and scrimmages are played with teams in District 1, as well as outside the District (for Squirt and above).

Our Mission:

WAHA's mission is to offer young committed athletes an opportunity to learn and play competitive hockey with players of similar ability at a higher level than in-house, park, or recreational hockey programs. Our goal with the introductory programs is to teach skating and fundamentals in a fun environment that builds interest and confidence in young players, while preparing them to advance to the older groups.  We offer a “building” program.  Our goal is to provide our traveling hockey players with the fundamental skills and understanding of the game so that they can continue to effectively compete as they advance through the older age levels.

WAHA believes that youth realize many life and technical skill benefits from our traveling hockey program including:

• learning fundamentals of the sport in a fun, encouraging environment
• improving athleticism and physical fitness
• enhancing self-confidence
• developing a respect of others – team mates, coaches, referees, spectators
• learning to value teamwork and contributing to a team effort
• developing and displaying the appropriate discipline and conduct in competitive situations
• win and lose with grace and dignity

Above all we believe this experience will be enhanced by meeting new friends, appreciating differences, as well as similarities, in teammates, and enjoying the great game of hockey.  WAHA focuses on the development of all of its youth, regardless of ability, skill level, age, or gender.