Western Pennsylvania Youth Hockey

Was at a Black Bear rink today for two games. They had two empty sheets of ice that were not being used before or during games I attended on third sheet. Only one sheet was used after one of the games I attended. Lots of empty ice during a huge tournament weekend. What’s up with that?

So the Pens run a program that is not sanctioned by USA hockey?

To make a Western PA connection, three PAHL 10u teams will be grouped with a Boston Imperials team at an upcoming tournament. All other teams in the pod seem to be comparably ranked on MHR. The PAHL teams are in Mid-A divisions (Major white and Minor black). The wildcard is this Boston Imperials team. They have no games entered in MHR and had no team in this age group before this year. Their website describes them as a 2014 AAA team and the organization describes itself as a year-round elite program. Any way to get a read on whether they fit in this grouping or if they are hunting for a banner?

That's the question. Let's hear what the consensus is.

It seems this forum has been quiet of late so leave it to me to throw fresh chum in the water - here goes………. What is going on at the 18U AAA level for WPA teams? I know it is early but it is extremely hard for a team ranked outside of the top 50 to recover after a slow start playing poor teams. PPE are the highest ranked team at 29th, followed by the Stars ( formerly Esmark ) at #50. Vengeance are currently ranked 74th and should I even mention that the Icemen are the lowest AAA team at U18 in the country with the exception of three teams ranked lower than them - yep, ranked 118th out of 121 teams. Reaction!

These are the current Bantam Major AA PAHL teams: Allegheny Renegades North Pitt South Pitt Preds Lebo Lawrence SHAHA They are all 2009 teams except Lawrence and SHAHA. But those teams really aren't AA teams so their plans for next year really aren't that relevant to this discussion. I'm sure they'll both filter into an A Major PAHL division. But what are the plans for the remaining 2009 AA teams? It's unlikely that the top four teams (Allegheny, SCIR, North Pitt, South Pitt) play in 16U AA against mostly 2008 teams or play in an A Major division that doesn't fit their skill. Is PAHL destroying itself from within by not offering more AA Minor …

Just a month or so in, and already 65 suspensions in PIHL. And 16 of them,of coaches. Maybe it's the same every season, just seems like a lot to me.

I realize some on this board dont hold HS hockey in WPA in the highest regard but I find it to be very enjoyable. Yes, you will find more skill and better structure in higher levels of travel. However, Im back in the HS ranks at the AA level this year and find it to be pretty good hockey. The kids have a bond with their school and by extension each other. The coaches all seem to have a passion and respect for the game. And there are some talented players at AA. We havent played many games yet but there are a few that have stood out so far… #23 and # 57 at Penn T and #86 at Latrobe are all skilled, smart and heavy on pucks. Hempfield has a pretty good back-stop. We are st…

Has there really not been any activity on here since October 8th?

I’m over Shane Clifford for Pittsburgh goalies. Who else is there that your goalies like?

We live in north Pittsburgh and my son will be entering his last year of mites. We are trying to decide between north pittsburgh wildcats or yetis? Any advice on which is better experience or better for development? Thanks.

Well, Black Bear can suck it. https://blackbearsportsgroup.com/blackbeartv/

Always great to see such talent in the area! So much great hockey and still a couple days left. NTDP has a game tomorrow at 2:30 PM. Congratulations to the 2009 PPE winning the 15U division! Hearing the semi-final game against the Predators was a close battle. Cleveland Barons also were tied with Mount St. Charles into final minutes of the other semi-final. This is a good look for Mid-Am District having all three teams in the semi-final out of 26 total teams in the division. 16U and 18U tournaments just got started and run through Monday.

https://www.esmarkstars.com/news

I think the meeting to decide was Tuesday night.

Good read on the changes coming for hockey. North American Junior Hockey Reaches a Crossroads - MYHockey (myhockeyrankings.com) By Scott Lowe – MYHockeyRankings.com Every year, the junior hockey landscape in North America undergoes numerous changes during the offseason. But this month, as the 2024-25 season opens for leagues around North America following another tumultuous spring and summer, junior hockey appears to be heading toward a major crossroads. This crossroads starts at the top with the Canadian Hockey League, also known as Major Junior, and filters all the way down to the lowest pay-to-play Tier 3 leagues in the United States. While the…

St. Marg's starts this week but it has been rather quiet leading into this tournament. With the expansion of the field where there are now six divisions of four teams in each, who are the favorites? I know graduation could take a top tier team from last year to a middle of the pack team the following year. https://www.pihlhockey.com/page/show/8642167-2024-sm-fall-face-off-2024-st-margaret-fall-face-off-

As was mentioned in another thread, both the USHL Showcase as well as the THF Event. For those with younger players and aspirations (I call delusions) that their 10 year old is on the fast track to the NHL, I would encourage you all to check out some of these games in each event. Watch an 18U or 16U game in the USHL with the likes of Shattuck, BK and many other powerhouses and then go and watch an 18U game between any two THF teams and you will note the vast difference in the speed and fluidity of the game. Then consider this, the 18U and 16U divisions are already devoid of the very best players at each BY by those whom are already playing in the USHL itself.

What's everybody's opinion on the new system of misconduct penalties? On one hand, I'm thrilled that the FPPs are gone. On the other hand, I think this new way could play out worse. For every 2 and 10 I've seen called the past few years, some were deserved and some were pretty questionable at best. Many times a borderline play early in the game that could have been let go was called for a 2 and 10 just to set the precedent- which I totally understand and have no problems with. But I can see it going two ways: 1) refs are going to call everything, and PAHL will turn into a virtual no-contact league out of fear of being called, or 2) refs won't call anything, due…

I believe they usually come out the beginning of August. Anyone have a copy they can share?

Looks like PIHL posted the divisions for next season. Lots of movement between AAA and AA. 3 teams move up, 3 teams move down. 1 team moves down from AA to A. I know the divisions in A were a big topic last season. This year it doesn't seem to be split by location or upper/lower. Anyone know how it's split? Overall thoughts on the movement?

Pa Hockey Calander of Events – 2024 – 2025  26th Annual Damian Bearley Memorial (JV/MS) Fall Face Off (Franklin Regional) – Palmer Imaging Arena – August 22-26, 2024 The Franklin Regional Hockey Club is sponsoring the 26th Annual Damian Bearley Memorial (JV/MS) Fall Face Off This Event features a three-day event in August to kick off the 2024-2025 season. Your school is invited to apply for participation in a 8-12 JV/MS team showcase of the top Junior Varsity and Middle School Teams in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League Contact = Jackie Bearley ~ z19d26@comcast.net and Jeff Mauro jeffmauro@aol.com FLYER ATTACHED  21st Greensbur…

Governor’s Cup Events ~ 2024-2025 season- Jamestown Pittsburgh and South Bend - DEPOSITS DUE/TEAMS NEEDED Tournament Packages including Schedule Hotels Rosters Logistics and Final Payments will be mailed later this month. There is opportunity for ALL 3 events for all schools who have submitted their deposit per below. DEPOSITS DUE 8-15-24 /TEAMS NEEDED - …

So, I came here thinking/hoping that there would be some chatter and/or information about this year’s event and tournament. I remember it kinda being a big deal of an event several years ago; but not sure how it is now. Does anyone have any suggestions, as to any links, maybe streaming/broadcast, or useful info? I think that I found some older stuff but the pages need updated as it still includes their tryout schedules. My brief investigation turned up no dice. At least not any topics on the games that jump out at me I am curious to see how the hockey things stack up and shake down from across the commonwealth.

Top of the line neck protector. https://skate-armor.com/ Bought for my adult son, he doesn't want it, hasn't worn it, brand new. Paid $40. Will sell for $30. PM if interested. If this post is up, its still available. Can meet on the east side of Allegheny county.