Topeka’s Adult Hockey League Provides Inclusive Options for Everyone
Over the past 25 years, the ice hockey landscape in Topeka, Kansas has experienced fluctuations, with periods of local professional teams and times lacking even a venue for skating. However, a dedicated group of adult players has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining the sport’s presence in the community.
The introduction of the Central Hockey League’s Topeka Scarecrows in 1998 reignited enthusiasm for hockey, fostering a new wave of fans and providing ice time for local skaters at the Stormont Vail Events Center (formerly known as Kansas Expocentre). By 2001, Topeka had established its first adult hockey league.
“I had never encountered any adults in Topeka who played hockey until we had ice available here,” remarked Dave Hodges, commissioner of the Topeka Adult Hockey League (TAHL). “Before the Scarecrows arrived, we didn’t have indoor ice. Adults began gathering at public skating sessions and discussing the formation of a league.”
Hodges noted that the league began with four teams in its first season, which later expanded to six. Unfortunately, this enjoyment was short-lived. Following the departure of the Scarecrows and the CHL’s Topeka Tarantulas after the 2004-05 season, the ice at their multi-purpose facility was also removed.
“We were without ice for two years due to the absence of a full-time tenant needing it,” Hodges explained. “We resumed operations when the NAHL teams came in 2007-08, which is when my son Matt began playing in the adult league. It thrived until we lost the ice again in 2020. However, we regained it in 2025 when the Scarecrows returned (this time in the Federal Prospects Hockey League), and the response has been excellent.”
Bringing Hockey Closer to Home
At present, the TAHL consists of four co-ed teams, comprising over 50 players of varying skill levels and ages (from 18 to 67). Teams are formed through a draft system to promote fairness and balance, with occasional roster adjustments occurring after the season begins. According to Hodges, players hail from various regions across Kansas, including Topeka and the St. Joseph, Manhattan, and Fort Riley areas. The league features several soldiers stationed at Fort Riley, who travel over 60 miles east from the U.S. Army base to participate.
The league champion has their name engraved on the Owen Cup, named in tribute to Topeka native Bob Owen, who was a member of the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team that secured gold in 1960.
“The Owen Cup trophy is essentially a keg of beer that someone crafted into bowls to resemble the Stanley Cup,” Hodges stated.
The league also honors one player with the Miles Huffman Sportsmanship Trophy, named after a former long-time Topeka adult hockey player who passed away after battling cancer in 2003. According to the TAHL website, the trophy is awarded to “the player who best exemplifies the love of the game that Miles always had.”
Building Momentum
The TAHL season is split into two sessions, with the second set to commence in February. Hodges anticipates around 60 players for the second session, representing a slight increase compared to the first session.
Maintaining current registration figures and fostering league growth remains a continuous challenge, but Hodges is optimistic, aided by his son.
“My son manages our league website, while I oversee the Facebook page,” Hodges shared. “Our previous commissioner maintained email lists from each year he led the league, and I reached out to every individual on that list, even if they hadn’t played in years. Eventually, word spread. I was contacted by about 65 individuals, and while not all could participate in the first session, many plan to join in the second. I encourage anyone to give it a try. It’s enjoyable and provides excellent exercise. I mention it to everyone I encounter.”
In addition to the adult league, residents in the Topeka area can also engage in Learn to Skate and Try Hockey for Free events throughout the year. No prior experience is required, and skates and equipment are supplied for newcomers. Hodges has observed many players start at a D-level and progress to A-level performance.
“Competing for the Owen Cup each year is a lot of fun,” Hodges remarked, listing among his aspirations the return of the league to six teams and potentially securing its own ice rink for year-round play. “Everyone is incredibly thankful to have the ice back; they are indifferent about which team they belong to. They are weary of traveling to Kansas City for ice or not skating at all. They simply want to play. It’s a very positive development for the city.”
