Saint Paul Tommies Hockey Club

                                September, 2026         SPT JG FAQ

An update for Junior Gold hockey families and players - From Bill McCarthy

Informational parent/player meeting: Mon. Sept. 21, 6PM in the Wright Lecture Hall

The Saint Paul Tommies (SPT) is a stand alone 501c3 organization operating to facilitate competitive hockey opportunities. The SPT operates as a West Saint Paul team in Minnesota Hockey District 8. SPT is not directly affiliated with any MSHSL High School.

In the state of Minnesota, Junior Gold Hockey dates back to 2005. Historically non-high school hockey players were offered an opportunity to continue to play competitive hockey with their friends with a focus on sportsmanship and character development.

Mike Dougherty ’78 and Bill Hickey ’74 recognized this opportunity and started the Saint Thomas Academy Junior Gold program in 2007. With one Junior Gold ‘B’ team, it was simply a chance for more Cadets to play hockey. Since 2007, more players have played JG hockey than Varsity or Junior Varsity.

Saint Thomas Academy recognizes the value of JG hockey and the importance of the program to the school. Playing JG hockey continues to attract prospective students to the Academy.

Saint Thomas Academy can not fund JG hockey because it is not a MSHSL sport. This has been discussed for the past three years. Not funding the program does not mean the school does not support the program. I believe the school will continue to do whatever is possible to help the SPT JG program.

It is now the sole responsibility of JG hockey to cover all operational costs. In the past we have tried to keep player fees reasonable. We must now look for alternate funding and sponsorship opportunities to address our costs.

Brian Ragatz, Saint Thomas Academy President, reached out to me to discuss how he can support the future of the program. He and I will meet in the coming weeks to talk about some options for the growth and strength of SPT Junior Gold hockey.

This is an opportunity for SPT Junior Gold hockey and Saint Thomas Academy to develop a long-term funding and operational model that incorporates Academy connections to support Cadets playing JG hockey.