For the first time in nearly 30 years, a professional minor league hockey team will take to the ice in Minnesota. The Ralph Engelstad Arena will open its doors to the Federal Prospects Hockey League for the 2026-27 hockey season.
The FPHL is made up of 16 teams across the United States including teams located in Topeka, KS; Port Huron, MI; and Indianapolis, IN. Operating in its 16th season, the FPHL has an average nightly attendance of 3.000 fans.
Travis Collins, REA general manager, is thrilled to have a new team in town, “We’re incredibly proud to welcome professional hockey to Thief River Falls and the Ralph Engelstad Arena. This franchise is an investment in our community – bringing people to our city, supporting local businesses, and keeping our building moving forward,” he said.
FPHL Founder and Commissioner Don Kirnan is excited about the expansion of the league. “We couldn’t ask for a better place than Thief River Falls and the surrounding communities to launch the league’s newest team,” said Kirnan. “Minnesota is the state of hockey, and we could not be happier.”
Thief River Falls Mayor Mike Lorenson is also enthusiastic about the FPHL in Thief River Falls. “Hockey runs deep in northwest Minnesota, and welcoming a professional team to the Ralph Engelstad Arena is something we can all be proud of. This is a win not just for Thief River Falls, but for our entire region,” he said.
The team’s season will officially commence in October 2026 and will play through April 2027. Game nights will feature high quality hockey along with themed nights, including Elvis-Skate, Rattle and Roll Night, Dress like Your Dad Night and a Night to Support our Military. The team name has yet to be decided, but the local community will be involved with the process of naming the team. Ticket prices will range from $14 to $25, and season tickets will be available for individual fans and businesses at the commencement of a press conference Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. at REA.
Several exhibition games will take place prior to the 2026-27 season. For more information, go to www.federalhockey.com and the Official Facebook Page of the Federal Prospects Hockey League.