Who We Are
Hockey Finder started with a simple idea: make it easier for adults to play hockey.
What started as a fix for finding ice time, forming teams, and connecting eager players has grown into a lively community built on three values: Fun - Friendly - Social.
We're not about tryouts or championships (though we enjoy healthy competition). Hockey Finder is for players who first got on the ice in their childhood, took up the sport later in life, or fall somewhere in between. Whether it’s a league, clinic, or pickup game, you'll find your people here.
Our Story
Founded in Minnesota, where hockey is woven into the culture, Hockey Finder emerged from hockey lovers who saw a gap for casual adult players seeking organized ice time. We set out to build something different.
Growing from the Twin Cities, we now serve adult co-ed players across the Midwest and plan to expand further. Our leagues, tournaments, clinics, and pickup tools have connected thousands who share a love of the game.
We're proud of what we've built — and we're just getting started.
Our Mission
To make hockey accessible, welcoming, and fun for adult recreational players everywhere.
We believe the best hockey memories aren't always made at the highest levels of the game - they're made on a Tuesday night with a group of people who became friends because they all showed up to the same rink. Hockey Finder exists to create more of those moments.
That mission only works if everyone feels safe showing up. Hockey Finder is inclusive at every level - all are welcome, regardless of skill, background, identity, or how long you've been on skates. We have zero tolerance for hate, harassment, or discrimination of any kind, on or off the ice. This is a community built on respect first, and that's non-negotiable. We respect each other, we respect the game, and we're proud to take a progressive stance, working to make the broader hockey culture more welcoming and inclusive for everyone who wants to play.
The Hockey Finder Experience
At Hockey Finder, we love hockey and those who play it. Since 2008, we've built more than a league; we've built a community that gathers on and off the ice. What began as a small, friendly group is now a national movement that blends competition with camaraderie.
Our leagues, pickup games, and tournaments welcome all skill levels - from first-timers to lifelong players. We also help organizers manage pickup games and offer tools for rink managers and tournament directors.
Hockey Finder is built around a simple philosophy: Fun - Friendly - Social. Our co-ed adult league and women ’s-only league are designed for players who love the game but want to play in an environment that’s competitive without being cutthroat. Every player registers individually and is placed on a team, ensuring balanced, enjoyable games where everyone contributes. And because our schedules are set well in advance, you always know when and where you’re playing.
Most of all, Hockey Finder is about community. Friendships form through our leagues, with players gathering after games, meeting off the ice, and celebrating milestones. Some even met their partners in the league - proof our community runs deeper than hockey.
Whether you're joining to try hockey, stay active, meet new people, or just have fun, Hockey Finder makes it easy to connect. No team or tryout required - just a good attitude and a love for friendly hockey. Sign up, show up, and join the Hockey Finder community.
Meet the Team
The Hockey Finder team is a group of hockey lovers, community builders, and professionals, each bringing unique skills to our work and to the rink.
Don Giroux - Owner & CEO
Don Giroux founded Hockey Finder to make hockey fun, friendly, and social for everyone. Under his leadership, it has become one of the most accessible, community-driven adult hockey networks in North America, expanding to multiple states and serving thousands annually through leagues, games, clinics, tournaments, referee training, and programs like Hockey Finder Assist.
Don combines vision and hands-on leadership, running national operations, program development, sponsorships, and technology—all with a focus on inclusivity and sportsmanship. He also created Team Home Finder, a network connecting hockey players with agents across North America. His mission: make it easy for adults to get into hockey, stay involved, and join a supportive community.
Bryce A. Denton - Fractional CFO
Bryce A. Denton joined Hockey Finder as a fractional CFO in 2015, bringing the financial expertise and strategic insight that a fast-growing sports community platform needs — without the overhead of a full-time executive. His work with Hockey Finder supports the organization's mission to make hockey more accessible, social, and fun for adult players of all skill levels.
An avid hockey fan and lifelong outdoor enthusiast based in Colorado, Bryce is personally aligned with Hockey Finder's core values of Fun, Friendly, and Social play. When he's not helping clients build stronger financial foundations, you'll find him chasing his next adventure in the Rocky Mountains.
Greg Nielsen - Director of Operations
Greg Nielsen is the steady operational force that keeps Hockey Finder running smoothly season after season. In his six years as Director of Operations, Greg has taken ownership of every aspect of league management — from scheduling and logistics to the behind-the-scenes details that make every game night run without a hitch. His deep institutional knowledge and commitment to consistency ensure that players, officials, and facilities remain aligned, no matter how Hockey Finder grows.
Lori Shannon - Director of Marketing & Community Communications
Lori Shannon drives Hockey Finder's growth and brand evolution. With deep digital marketing and media expertise, she blends data-driven and creative problem-solving to build campaigns that boost awareness, engagement, and player growth, overseeing content, SEO, paid, and social media. Her background in growth marketing, brand management, CRM, and user experience gives Lori a holistic perspective, always focused on connecting the game and its community. As a Hockey Finder player since 2014, she brings a true insider's view to her work.
Braden Shannon - Director of Hockey Relations
Braden Shannon joined the Hockey Finder admin in 2025, bringing player experience to the team. Since 2021, he’s known a great league from the ice up and uses that knowledge daily to support operations and the community.
Ed Litman - Director of Instructional Hockey
Ed Litman joined in 2026 to bring more adults into the game. As the Instructional Hockey Director, he develops programs that help new and growing players gain confidence, skills, and a sense of community. He’s also key to national expansion, spreading our model to new regions.
Alex Westad - Hockey Finder Admin
Alex Westad is a sports broadcaster with vast experience in live sporting events on radio, streaming, and in-venue. Active in Division I and III, pro hockey, and ESPN Radio, he’s known for preparation and reliability—on-air or behind the scenes. A Hockey Finder player since 2017, and an official since 2021, Alex brings his professional standards to the admin team.