Back in 1995 (or thereabouts), recreational hockey players Stan Quan and Jason Lai were already involved in a co-ed drop-in hockey league as novice players. In gaining experience amidst the weekly games, they enjoyed many good times but also noticed a few areas that could've used some improvement in their opinions.
So, on one fateful evening they got to talking (over some cheap dinner at a greasy spoon) and discussed how much better a league could be improved if they were at the reins in setting it up and implementing the guidelines to support a fun, yet competitive recreational forum.
After calling on lots of friends and a few acquaintances, the Mad Dogs Hockey League was born! Over time, it evolved from playing another team in a challenge format, to a three-team roller hockey league, to what it has become in its current form...
ice hockey for twenty designated players and two alternating goaltenders... playing in a
group of 10-game series based on fixed rosters... player trades... referee-optional, honour system of self-officiating... score-keeping... with power plays and penalty shots... along with added perks and intangibles including
team captaincy voting... set line roster combinations... an annual skills competition with prizing... substitute distribution lists... seasonal award voting... hockey
pools... weekly articles and recaps... 3-star selections... hockey cards... custom logo'd jerseys...
league dinners... video montages... and general all-around fun for almost 45 weeks out of every year!
So after many seasons of fine tuning, planning and effort, the league enjoys much success as participation has been solid and play has been spirited. Here's to many more fun games ahead...
As of Spring 2008, Stan has since retired from GM duties and Jason continues carry the torch of the MDHL legacy... and now as of Spring 2010, the league welcomes Frank Riccardi, annointed into a co-GM role as the league looks towards the future!
Into Fall 2023, Frank has transitioned away from a stellar 13-season GM role to manage his health, while Terry Wong, he of the OG alumni, steps into a co-GM role to help manage this league into the next quarter century (and beyond??).
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