Literally.
The Midwest Hockey League is in the Tier II level of USA Hockey, made up of teams from Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and now -- for the first time ever -- South Dakota.
"We've got a good group of seniors that have won two state championships in a row," coach T.J. Reinsch said. "So for them to give up the opportunity to compete for three state championships, that was definitely a consideration."
But the program is also getting a lot in return. It gives them a chance to face off against the best of the best in the region, and gives the players better exposure to recruiters.
"In South Dakota hockey, you don't get looked at very well, but in this league you get more looks," senior left wing Josh Bingham said. "I've seen people in the stands with notebooks, they've been writing stuff down."
"You know, they want the opportunity to play hockey at the next level," Reinsch said. "After high school, junior programs and college programs, and the Midwest Hockey League has a rich tradition of moving kids to the next level.
"A lot of kids will leave home at 16 or 17 years old to pursue their hockey career. This league kind of fills that void and allows the junior or senior that wants to stay at home, perhaps they're a multi-sport athlete, and they're not quite ready to give up football or baseball."
It's one of several Tier II leagues in the nation. Each of the eight districts from across the country will send a champion to the national tournament, which if all goes well, could put Sioux Falls in the national spotlight as well. "We're not sure how we fit into that equation right now," Reinsch said. "But it's a nice goal to have, and it's something we can shoot for."
The Flyers have played three games so far in the Midwest League, and are 2-1, including a 6-2 win Sunday over Ames.
