The Federal Prospects Hockey League has officially announced the new Thief River Falls team will be called the Minnesota Northern Lights. Team colors will be a vibrant purple and sharp green with the logo designed as a scrappy moose in hockey uniform surrounded by the northern lights.
Hockey fans and locals were given the opportunity through social media to vote on several different name and logo options allowing the league to narrow down the top favorites among them. Over 1,000 votes came in sparking much excitement in TRF and the surrounding areas. Even hockey fans as far as Florida and Indiana chimed in to cast their votes.
With overwhelming feedback and support, The Northern Lights came out victorious with the most votes. Next to Alaska, Minnesota provides one of the best opportunities in the lower 48 states to enjoy the northern lights making the name a great fit for the incoming hockey team. Come October, players and fans alike will be able to don the team colors of purple and green, an homage to the colors often associated with the natural wonder.
Young hockey fan Jace Hunt is eagerly awaiting the team’s arrival. “I can’t wait for the Northern Lights’ season to start, I think that the name and mascot are really cool; I really hope I can go to all of the games with my family,” Hunt said.
The season will commence October 2026 and provide hockey fans affordable family friendly entertainment. A name has yet to be decided for the team’s moose mascot, but fans will again have the opportunity to suggest their ideas and to cast their votes in the coming months leading up to the first puck drop. This time around, the fan that comes up with the winning mascot name will be awarded some team merchandise as well as four free tickets to the opening game at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in TRF.
For more information and the latest news on the new team, be sure to check out the Official Facebook Page for Minnesota Northern Lights and FPHL website (www.federalhockey.com).
Family-friendly hockey
Season tickets are currently available for the Minnesota Northern Lights, with packages ranging from $406 to $604.
General admission tickets will run $12 for kids (12 and under) and $14 for adults.
“This is family affordable entertainment,” said Shawn Jones, general manager of the Northern Lights. “This is going to be a fun environment.”
More information about the game day experience is coming as the season gets closer, but Jones teased that the Northern Lights will have an exciting gameday experience that includes a light show for player introductions and the potential for celebrity players like former UND and NHL standouts T.J. Oshie and Zach Parise even playing a shift for the Northern Lights.
Jones said the team will effectively belong to northern Minnesota. When the team makes money, it will be put back into the region with donations to schools and other organizations.
The Northern Lights will encourage its players to be a part of the community and will not place any restrictions on player appearances.
March 27-28 showcase
The Minnesota Northern Lights will not make their debut until October. In the meantime, fans can get a taste of FPHL action March 27-28 when the Indiana Sentinels and Topeka Scarecrows meet for two nights of fast-paced hockey at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. Both games begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for kids (12 and under) and $14 for adults.