2026 Winter/Spring League Info

  • 15+ games including playoffs
  • First game is 1/25/26, Championship game are 6/14/2026
  • All games on Sundays, start times from 5pm to 8:30pm
  • Individual registration only (no teams)
  • All players rated and assigned to a level/team
  • 3 levels of play (see below) based on skill/experience
  • Small rosters (11-13 skaters) to maximize your time on ice
  • Adults (18+) only, average age of our players is 43+
  • No Checking, full equipment required
  • All games played at the Crystal Ice House, Crystal Lake, IL
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Sticks and Stones Adult Hockey League, playing out of Crystal Lake, Illinois

Levels of Plays in the SSHL

Bronze Level

Bronze is our lowest level and is for players who are newer to hockey, have less developed skills, are slower, and generally just don't want the faster, higher level game in Silver. We only allow people to play in Bronze if their skill, speed and attitude is a fit. The emphasis at the Bronze Level is on having fun, skill development and helping newer players get better. The Bronze Level games play like a lower Rec League that you might find at other rinks.

If you have played in the SSHL in the past, Bronze will consist of players who are rated in the lower 75% of Level 1. Only the top 25% of players (roughly 3 or 4 per team) from the current Level 1 will be moved up to Silver for the 2026 Winter/Spring League. 

Silver Level

Silver is our middle level and is for players who are faster, have more skills/experience and want a slightly higher level (and more intense) game than what Bronze offers. Silver players typically have 5+ years of experience playing hockey, have intermediate hockey skills, and play the game a little faster. The Silver level is still a Rec League and plays like a Rec League or D-League that you might find at other rinks.

If you have played in the SSHL in the past, Silver will consist of players who are rated in the upper 25% of Level 1 and the lower 25% of Level 2. 

Gold Level

Gold is our highest level. Gold is for players who are faster and have further developed skills than Silver players. Players in this league typically have 10+ years of experience, are faster players, and want a more competitive game. While this is our highest level of play, the SSHL is NOT for high level players (i.e. travel hockey players, high-level high school, juniors, college, etc.), “ringers”, or anybody with a “winning is the only thing that matters” attitude. We will not allow players to continue playing in this league if they upset the balance of gameplay or are simply too good for the league. The Gold level plays like a lower level C2 or C3 league that you might find at other rinks.

If you have played in the SSHL in the past, Gold will consist of players who are rated in the upper 75% of Level 2. 

Register Today!