The Beavers Hockey family got its start in late 1993, in a now extinct league called Hockey North America (HNA). HNA was a national program designed to help adults who wanted to learn to play hockey. It offered 10 weeks of instruction followed by 10 weeks of games, followed by playoffs. The Beavers were put together randomly by HNA, and were one of four teams. Most of the "original Beavers" could not even skate when the instruction sessions began (and many of us haven't gotten much better since). There were about 16 players that inaugural season, whose ages ranged from early 20's to 50's. Almost all of the players returned for summer league and continued to play for the Beavers for many years.

Since HNA, the Beavers have gone on to play in the Pettit Center League, The Classic League, The Five Star Hockey League, The Milwaukee County League and currently The Mullett Hockey League. The Beavers won their first championship in the 1995/96 season in the Pettit Center League.

To say the "original Beavers" became friends would be a gross understatement. We became family. The core group who stayed together over decades valued friendship and "being someone you'd want to have a beer with" far more than hockey skill (which was evident to anyone watching us play). This has served us well as the Beavers Hockey team is still thriving more than 33 years later!!! We have shared so many of life's milestones together, including weddings, the birth of children, occupational success/changes/retirements, divorce, deaths, and even some who have welcomed grandchildren. Many of us have had the distinct honor of having our children play for the Beavers. It is only a matter of time until the first 3rd generation Beaver will play for our team!

For a "beer league" hockey team to have enjoyed 33+ years of uninterrupted, winter and summer league hockey seasons, is extremely rare to say the least. It has to be our "once a Beaver always a Beaver" mentality, and prioritizing friendship over wins and losses. The enduring success, friendship and fun that is Beavers hockey is why our players, past and present, are so proud to be a member of this unique hockey family!!!