Professional FPHL team 'Minnesota Northern Lights' announced for Thief River Falls; showcase games set for March

Sean Jones, who introduced himself as the newly appointed general manager for a Federal Prospects Hockey League franchise, told the Thief River Falls City Council the team will stage a showcase at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in March and begin play in October 2026.

Jones said the franchise will field paid professional players and emphasized community involvement: players will engage with local schools, hospitals and businesses, and the team intends to be embedded in the region rather than operate as a distant ownership group. He said the team has filed for nonprofit status and expects revenue to be reinvested into the local community if the venture is profitable.

“Those players will be involved with schools, hospitals, car dealerships, businesses. You’ll get to know these guys,” Jones told the council, adding the franchise name is the Minnesota Northern Lights and that team colors and a logo are in development. He also said tickets for the March showcase will be sold at $12 and $14 and that season ticket packages will range roughly from $400 to $600 for a 30‑game season.

Why it matters: The proposed team is expected to generate entertainment and economic activity in the area, particularly for retail, hospitality and arena revenue. A council member stressed to the public that the city is not subsidizing the team and that organizers have pursued nonprofit status to keep revenues local.

What’s next: The council will meet with league and team representatives at the Ralph Engelstad Arena on Dec. 18 (meeting announced during the session) to discuss the project further; the council asked organizers to continue coordinating logistics and community outreach.