Western Pennsylvania Youth Hockey

With a number of new people popping up on this forum, and a number of us older guys probably soon to move on, I thought maybe a thread on "things we learned" would be productive. I'll start by sharing a story from yesterday. Sitting in the stands yesterday at a rink, I heard about a paid coach that is staying with the same team 3 years in a row because he's got a side piece mom on the team and another kids "sugar daddy" throwing money his way. Another coach that has his apartment paid for by a dad on the team. 10-year-olds that are relocating their entire family because they didn't make the local team they wanted. ANY ADVICE? Like what's the end …

So a few weeks ago PAHL sent out this notice to all organizations: For tryouts involving teams declared as Tier I and Tier II, the USAH policy applies, stating that no tryout activities are permitted until 48 hours after the end of USAH National Tournaments. Last date of USAH National Tournaments is Sunday, March 29, so those tryout activities can begin on Tuesday 3/31. This policy is found in Section III, Part B of the "Rules & Regulations" section of the USA Hockey Annual Guide (Page 164). Policies on recruiting and tampering are on page 169, and Tier II and house/rec tryout policies are on page 171. The use of the phrase "tryout activities" is inten…

🚨 WE’RE HIRING: Assistant Hockey Director 🚨 Ready to make a real impact in youth hockey? RMU Island Sports Center is looking for a motivated leader to help drive player development, coaching, and program growth across our ice, inline, and dek hockey programs. This role is ideal for someone who brings strong experience in youth hockey development and coaching, and who understands how to build athletes the right way—through structure, consistency, and passion. 🏒 What You’ll Do: • Lead and support on-ice development across youth and adult programs • Work closely with the Hockey Director to grow and manage all hockey operations • Serve as an active coach …

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA FLYERS CUP CHAMPIONS YEAR FLYERS CUP AAA FLYERS CUP AA FLYERS CUP A 1980 1 ARCHBISHOP CARROLL (ICSHL) - - 1981 2 ARCHBISHOP CARROLL (ICSHL) - - 1982 3 GERMANTOWN ACADEMY (SHSHL) …

PENNSYLVANIA CUP - STATE CHAMPIONS YEAR STATE AAA CHAMPION STATE AA CHAMPION STATE A CHAMPION 1975 1 BALDWIN (WPIHL) - - 1976 2 MT LEBANON (WPIHL) ABINGTON (IC…

YEAR STATE AAA CHAMPION STATE AA CHAMPION STATE A CHAMPION 1975 1 BALDWIN (WPIHL) - - Glenwood Zoo Arena Erie 1976 2 MT LEBANON (WPIHL) ABINGTON (ICSHL) - Pittsburgh Civic Arena 1977 3 CHURCHILL (WPIHL) ERIE FAIRVIEW (LKSHL) - …

What in the he— happened with the match penalties, misconducts, etc this weekend

Its a shame that such a big school with great history put so little effort into their hockey program. Hardly any mentions in school emails about games or scores or anything. The hire for coach was retread disaster. Practices are poorly run, lots of standing around. Tryouts were terrible run and end up costing the team players. The communication between staff and players are non existent. When coaches tell you dont talk to us, we dont want to hear from you. Whats that say to a player on the team? There is no system, no plays, no proper breakouts. I know parents and players are fed up. Hopefully the AD who was supposed to hire a coach with full board hired the coaches on …

Not a word on their website as to who is playing when! Absoultely useless for the casual fan! They need new leadership bad!

PA HOCKEY 2025-2026 "AAA AA & A" DIVISION PRE-SEASON RANKINGS FINAL - WEEK 0 AAA 1 SENECA VALLEY AAA 2 SOUTH FAYETTE AAA 3 THOMAS JEFFERSON …

I've recently learned of the Iron City Forge playing out of the Frozen Pond. Is this legit hockey? Is it glorified beer league? Is this a positive stepping stone for a young player?

PA HOCKEY PENNSYLVANIA ELITE 8 2025-2026 "AAA AA & A" DIVISION FINAL - WEEK 11 DIVISION CLASS RANK TEAM W L T PTS …

Are there any independent teams that would like to split the cost of an hour of ice at Baierl for the 2026-2027 season? We are considering an independent 10U team and would like half ice for some practices. We would like to do 2 a month but open to what other independent teams are doing with ice share. Thanks in advance

So the PAHL has their Girls Division playoffs scheduled for Feb 21-22; two weekends from now, and has yet to secure a venue to host these games? Seems like less than ideal planning on their part.

The RMU Hockey Academy is looking for passionate coaches to provide player development instruction to youth players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are an experienced coach or just eager to give back to the game, we have flexible paid and volunteer opportunities available in the following programs. In-Season Skills Instruction In-Season Power Skating Clinics Pre-Trout Clinics Goalie Clinics Summer Hockey Camps Interested instructors should contact: Blaine Buterbaugh buterbaugh@rmu.edu 412-397-4475

I heard that the coach for the 16u Predators that is currently ranked 10th in the country left this past week to take a job with Pens Elite. Any truth to this rumor?

   I’ve come up with a plan I would like to talk to you about which will change high school hockey going forward. This nonsense of players missing high school games is coming to an end. It will strengthen amateur 16 U and 18 U programs and people who are high school friendly throughout the league and have high school coaches refer players to high school friendly to build very good 16 u and 18 u teams that play a reasonable number of games and quality tournaments and play a maximum of 5 games Friday through Sunday (Monday if holiday) Those programs who choose not to participate will not be a part of the referral program and high sc…

Great news as first ever school from Connecticut is registered for Jamestown Governor's Cup Field. Based upon early verbal commitments we will have the best fields ever at South Bend and Jamestown Early registration begins Today with SAVE YOUR SPOT + SAVE THE DATES 2025-2026- Governor’s Cup Events South Bend + Jamestown + Pittsburgh 2025-2026 Governor’s Cup Events o National Invitational Scholastic Showcase – South Bend (November 14-16, 2025) o National Invitational Scholastic Showcase – Jamestown (December 5-7, 2025) o Pa Hockey Scholastic Showcase – Pittsb…

Besides Pens Elite, which 14U AA or AAA teams/programs from Western Pennsylvania do not play in PAHL? If you know it, please add: what league/circuit they play (THF, T1EHL, independent, etc.) how they’ve been this year and historically at 14U (even just your impression or a link)

I was looking at the roster for the NAHL Tomahawks as I am hoping to go see a game sometime. They have only 6 forwards listed on their roster, only 8 D. That is extremely small. Yet they are around .500. Is there a mistake on their site or do they really play with 6 forwards, and only 14 total skaters and are somehow doing average in the NAHL? Did they recently lose a bunch of players?

Placements all but final, pending any appeal outcomes. https://www.pahockey.com/placements

https://burghhockey.com/rmu-requests-state-grant-for-on-campus-hockey-arena/. Robert Morris University has requested a $10 million state funding grant for construction of a new hockey facility. The RMU request was submitted to the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) program, a state program for “the design, acquisition, and construction of a regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement project.” The request details that the grant is for new construction of a 100,000 square foot hockey facility on the RMU campus in Moon Township with two sheets of ice and seating for 2,500. The facility will also have off…

Anyone know the reason behind Wheeling Catholic having four forfeits so far this season? Are they not fielding a team at the A level this year?

Anyone ever heard of this yet? They are playing in the NEHL........ and going by the name Pittsburgh River Monsters.....