Da Beauty League’s Farewell Season Celebrates Hockey, Community and Charity

Da Beauty League’s Farewell Season Celebrates Hockey, Community and Charity

The beloved summer league returns for its farewell season, combining elite talent, family-friendly hockey and support for local charities.

By Robert Brent

Since 2015, Da Beauty League has featured a summer slate of hockey games featuring professional, junior and collegiate players. The most recent season kicked off last Wednesday, July 15th, once again emanating from Edina’s Braemar Arena. 

While Da Beauty League has been a staple of the Twin Cities community since its inception, the summer 2026 season will be its last.

The high-end scrimmage league has always been a highlight of the summer hockey slate. The league features a fan and family-friendly atmosphere. The players, many of whom are local to Minnesota, sign autographs for young fans, the tickets are reasonable and the unique 4-on-4 format lends itself to creative plays.

Da Beauty League has also gained popularity for the level of talent they bring in each year. NHL stars like Jake Guentzel, Brock Boeser, Dustin Byfuglien, Jimmy Snuggerud and Brock Nelson have all taken the ice at Braemar Arena.

For the last few seasons, the league has also featured top talent in women’s hockey. The women’s rosters include PWHL players and star college athletes. 

The combination of talent and community-driven atmosphere allows fans and families to see current and future star talents sharpen their skills in a local and intimate environment.

Despite its popularity, the league is a difficult project to keep up with. Between the massive amount of volunteers needed and the demanding schedule of professional athletes, the summer scrimmage league is no longer sustainable. 

Ben Hankinson, player agent and Da Beauty League co-founder, spoke to the Pioneer Press about the league’s closure at the end of the 2026 season.

“It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s been a great run and we’re gonna miss it,”

The league may be coming to a close, but fans still have time to take in some games in Edina. Every Wednesday from now until the finals on August 19th, a three-game slate will take place at Braemar Arena. Games kick off at 5:00pm. 

The three games each night include two contests in the men’s division and one in the women’s division. 

The first night of action featured several notable players taking the ice. Former Gopher Jimmy Snuggerud, along with former Minnesota Wild players Freddy Gaudreau and Travis Boyd, was among the most noteworthy.

Snuggerud scored multiple goals for team TRIA and was particularly popular with fans after a standout career in the maroon and gold.

Full rosters for all teams can be found here.

If the crowd was any indication, Da Beauty League will be missed by many. The stands of Braemar Arena were mostly full for the first week’s matchups. Strong ticket sales also support another great aspect of the league. Proceeds from attendance directly benefit crucial causes for local Minnesota Charities.

This year, Da Beauty League is partnering with several local charities. This year’s partners include the United Heroes League, the Hendrickson Foundation, the Herb Brooks Foundation and Shine a Ligh7.

The first night is in the books, but fans still have several opportunities to celebrate a Minnesota staple in their final season. It’s well worth the time to see local stars in an intimate setting for a reasonable price while supporting great charities. 

Check out the schedule for upcoming Da Beauty League nights here.