(skates scraping) - [Madi] When I arrive at the William B. Troubh Ice Arena in Portland at 6:30 in the morning, it's still dark out, but the skate sharpener is already at work.

(skate sharpener buzzing) It's about 10 minutes before puck drop for the American Portland Wednesday Hockey Association of America.

League founder, Scott Rousseau, says the long name, with two references to America, is intentional.

- Everything is tongue in cheek, like, yes, we're a league, and we have jerseys, and we make teams.

But you're constantly fighting about the score.

We're constantly ribbing each other.

We're constantly taking it serious in a way that's not serious at all, because it's fun.

(players shouting) - [Madi] The players are divided into two sides, one sporting cream color jerseys, the other in blue, each with nicknames stitched on the back.

There's Bozo, Snoop, and The Judge.

- [Scott] Bozo is my brother 'cause he's an absolute clown.

Chris Ludwick is The Judge because he's a lawyer.

You know Benny Frazier is Savoir Faire, because he has so much style and grace when he plays.

- [Madi] Rousseau created the league more than 20 years ago, after he tired of playing in adult pickup games that started too late at night, and he says the players were often overly aggressive.

To keep the level of play high, Rousseau invited only skilled players to join.

Most have collegiate experience, and a few have seen action in the American or even National Hockey League.

The higher skill levels mean players have more control of the puck and are less likely to do accidental damage.

- [Scott] You know, we're not gonna take a slap shot when our friends are in front of us.

We're not gonna shoot high, and threaten to hit our goalie friend in the head.

You know, we're gonna be cautious of each other.

- [Madi] At 7:50, the game ends.

Everyone shuffles off the ice, debating who won.

With no official referee, no score is recorded, and everyone I ask gives a different answer.

- [Player] What's the score?

- Four-two, us.

Four-two, us.

- [Madi] So nobody knows?

- If we're losing it, they'll stay on that bench.

- You say it loudly and physically.

- Two things you did well.

- [Madi] As they make their way to the locker room, I ask the players why they feel the draw to get up so early and exhaust themselves before having to spend a full day at their jobs.

- [Mark] I haven't worked a day in my life.

- [Madi] Mark Kumpel, now in his early 60s, played for the 1984 Olympic team, and went on to play nearly 300 games in the National Hockey League.

He says the game is part of who he is.

- It's just that what I do with my time, and come out here, put a smile on my face, have a few yucks, and try not to get hurt.

- It's gut check time.

This time of the year, we're all digging deep, giving it our all.

This is a big two points for us tonight.

We're all 12 years old for two hours a week, and you fight about if it was off sides, and you fight about the score, and you just get to be a little kid again, and do the thing that we all love to do the most.

(players chattering) (skates scraping)