Loves Puck

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AAA hockey? absolutly not. from an officails persepective this was a walk in the park. AA at best.

Print scape as a hole is a dump. Locker room smell like piss. No effort to clean the facilities. Not as bad as Alpha complex but close. Note: Not to say they staff doesnt care. Rink Two is thin and experienced holes that needed patched between cuts. Shoody board and No score board. Take notice. Baierl for being one of the oldest puts in the most improvements. UPMC is well, Penguinsn sponsered. Alpha - mice / rodent issues- dirty as hell. drainage problems ect. PIA nough said. Ice castle - cold and dirty RMU is also a dump but decent ice and lighting. Mt lebonon - decent Show cases in western pa should be kept to: Bairel and UMPC exclusivly. Need more sheet RMU.

For those of you not aware, the ownership of Alpha Ice Complex has forced the teams playing out of their rink to use Greater Pittsburgh Game Management, and only them, for officiating services. This despite the fact that some of the various teams playing there had already come to agreements with other groups to provide their referees. They essentially extorted the teams into using their service, regardless of cost or budget, by threatening their ice time if they refused. This comes after the high school league (PIHL), as well as college teams like the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne club teams, had already turned down their offers and agreed to deals elsewhere. In doing this, Alpha and GPGM have blackmailed the teams into using them, all just a few weeks before the season begins. The teams were left with no leverage as it was too late to pursue any other realistic options. This leads to a slippery slope. Sure, Alpha and GPGM may provide them with competitive rates this year. But there’s nothing stopping them from imposing unfair or exorbitant rates and conditions going forward, or even excluding certain teams or officials. Prior agreements and contracts mean nothing to them so long as they control the ice. It also could lead to other rinks and ownership groups doing the same thing. This cuts out the choice for any team or league to control their own destiny, eliminating any competition and undercutting the officials as well. As independent contractors, all referees can choose of their own free will where and for whom they want to skate, and can decide whether they want to work for such a group. But this concerned referee thinks it would set a dangerous precedent to support such an action. Many officials won’t choose to support GPGM. It’s up to the rest of you to decide how you want to proceed. The leagues, teams, and USA Hockey have taken notice. Legal action could even be coming their way. It’s up to you to choose your own path. But be aware of the questionable tactics employed by this group. Sincerely, A Concerned Referee

Alpha Ice Complex is the Host. What a DUMP. They must have a had or do have a rodent problem. Smells like Mouse and or Rat $hit BAD Giving the "Barn" analogy a run for it money. The Ice Sucks, all flood, little to No Cut. I've seen better lighting at Club Erotica. The Hockey was mediocre at best.

You mean the same scheduling group that is owned by the president of PAHL? There is a whole bunch of conflicting interests going on in this sentence alone ^^^.

Someone needs to resurrect WPHOA and pretty dam fast. Otherwise the next largest scheduling regime will follow the same steps as PIHO. Arrogant and condescending, good ole boy network. Every business needs competition and a competing NON-Profit is even better.

Authorities were notified, League is taking action and I am sure the School is to. I was on the ice and saw things first hand. Old time Hockey! Yeah, like Eddie Shore.

Latrobe Parent, Play stupid games win stupid prizes. What happened in the stands was no more than a scrum in the crease. Play on.