The Bantam Elite League enters its sixth year of existence in 2019, continuing to offer the top Bantam-aged players in the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin the opportunity for quality competition in front of junior and college scouts from across the continent. To date, the Bantam Elite League has had 102 of its participants verbally commit to an NCAA Division I hockey program.  

Last season, Team Great Plains emerged as the winners of both the regular season and playoff titles, powered by a top line of Maddox Fleming, Jimmy Clark, and Charlie Stramel. The trio combined for 25 goals and 55 points, paced by the Edina product Clark with 12 goals and 22 points. Blaine’s Ryan Wallin and Hill-Murray’s Niklas Erickson combined to become the best goaltending duo in the league, with Wallin leading in wins with eight and goals-against average at 1.50. Erickson posted a record of 6-1 with a GAA of 1.88 and a save percentage of .915. Great Plains finished with a 13-1-1 record, with the last numeral representing an overtime win. Team North Dakota handed Great Plains its lone loss of the Bantam Elite League season by a score of 2-1 during the league’s first weekend.

The Major Division will hit the road this year in a trip to the Duluth Heritage Ice Center from Aug. 16-18. Weekend 1 will be played at St. Thomas Ice Arena, the second weekend at Richfield Ice Arena. A combination of Major finals and the start of the Minor Division schedule will convene at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center from Aug. 23-25.

August 3 (St. Thomas Ice Arena)

Sharks vs. Bolts, 1:15 P.M.

North Stars vs. Bruins, 5:15 P.M.

August 4 (St. Thomas Ice Arena)

Bruins vs. Kings, 1:15 P.M.

August 16 (Duluth Heritage Ice Arena)

North Stars vs. North Dakota, 2:30 P.M.

Sharks vs. Penguins, 7:45 P.M.