Local Access
BAHL's first story was about finding ice for local kids. Today that means clearer entry points for new families, from skating basics to youth hockey.
OUR HISTORY
Our History
Billings hockey started with local families and volunteers finding ice wherever they could. From Rose Park and Arena West to Centennial Arena and today's Signal Peak Energy Arena, BAHL has grown into a nonprofit hockey community serving players, skaters, coaches, officials, volunteers, and families across Billings.
Built By Local Hockey People
The Billings Amateur Hockey League did not begin as a polished program with every answer already in place. Its roots go back to 1972-73, when informal skating at Rose Park helped introduce local kids to hockey. The next major step came in 1975 with the move to Arena West, an outdoor facility made possible in part by refrigeration donated by Burlington Northern Railroad.
Those first years were close to the game's pond-hockey roots: parents, volunteers, and hockey people working together so kids in Billings could learn the sport. BAHL's formal nonprofit structure followed in 1976-77, giving that local effort a lasting organization.
Timeline
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1972-73
Rose Park Beginnings
Billings hockey began with informal skating and early youth hockey activity at Rose Park. Before BAHL was formally incorporated, local adults were already helping kids find a way onto the ice.
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1975
Arena West
The hockey community moved to Arena West, an outdoor facility with refrigeration donated by Burlington Northern Railroad. That move gave Billings hockey a more reliable place to grow.
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1976-77
Formal Nonprofit Organization
BAHL was formally incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and became part of the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States, the national body that later became USA Hockey.
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1982
Centennial Arena Opens
The opening of Centennial Arena gave Billings hockey and skating a lasting indoor home. The rink became the center point for youth hockey, skating, tournaments, adult hockey, curling, sponsors, and the broader local ice community.
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1991
AHAUS Becomes USA Hockey
The Amateur Hockey Association of the United States became USA Hockey in 1991, connecting BAHL's national affiliation to the structure families know today.
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1991-92
Montana Affiliate Formation
The Montana Amateur Hockey Association affiliate formed in 1991-92. BAHL was one of the original associations, with Billings, Great Falls, and Butte helping lead the way under recognition from USA Hockey.
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2026
Signal Peak Energy Arena Era
The arena moved into the Signal Peak Energy Arena era while BAHL continued the same core work: helping families enter the game, supporting teams and volunteers, and growing hockey in Billings.
Why the dates matter: BAHL's organized roots reach back to the early 1970s, but the formal nonprofit incorporation belongs in 1976-77. That keeps the page accurate while still honoring the people who built the hockey path before the paperwork existed.
What BAHL Carries Forward
The details have changed over time, but the purpose has stayed consistent: create a place where Billings kids can learn to skate, try hockey, join teams, compete, build friendships, and stay connected to the game.
Volunteer Leadership
Parents, coaches, managers, board members, officials, and rink partners have always kept Billings hockey moving.
One Ice Community
Youth hockey, skating, tournaments, adult hockey, curling, sponsors, and arena partners all support the same local ice community.
A Living History
BAHL's history is still being filled in by the families, players, coaches, officials, and volunteers who lived it. If you have verified historical photos, team records, or stories that help complete the Billings hockey timeline, please share them with BAHL so this page can continue to improve.