About BHHPA

Established in spring of 2023, we aim to bring together hockey players and fans to celebrate and enhance the hockey culture in the Black Hills region. Our goal is to promote the growth of this culture and encourage participation through...

Establishing a platform and voice for individuals or teams
Linking players with teams
Keeping the Black Hills community updated on hockey news
Helping & organizing sponsorships for players & teams
Organizing Events: Practices, Open Skates & Tournaments

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History

Jacob Karras (Janesville, WI), originally moved to the Black Hills in 2016 from Minnesota after meeting his wife Amy. Jacob assisted in taking leadership of an Adult Hockey team called Roadkill. Roadkill had a storied past of many league championships throughout all levels/divisions of the league (6 championships in 20 years).

In recent years between 2018-2022 Roadkill struggled to win games. In the fall session of 2022 Roadkill committed to rebuilding with new players and rebranding themselves to get back to the championship ways. The Dakota Jackalopes emerged and have won 2 league championships (Winter 2023, Winter 2026).

With the winning culture from rebranding the team, we discovered a passionate adult hockey culture within Rapid City, SD that is needing to expand and grow. Many hockey player’s (guys & gals) are transplants but now call the Black Hills home. In the late spring of 2023, We created Black Hills Hockey Players Association, LLC so we can invite other players to help create and spread the hockey culture throughout the Black Hills.

It has now morphed into something so much more as I finally got my wife back on the ice after 24 years of not playing hockey. She founded the Black Hills Goal Diggers all women's hockey team who competed in the Battle of the Biscuit Sheridan, WY women's hockey tournament in 2026. The love of the game and awesome community inspired both of us to develop the adult hockey program for men & women with coached skills practices for the Summer of 2026.

Where At Find Us

Members and players alike gather at the rink/s and "Blacktop Bars" in the Black Hills to sustain and promote hockey. Listed below are local area rinks.