Rewster

Reminds me of the show, “Shorsey” on Hulu. It’s essentially 2 seasons of Canadian senior hockey players telling one-liners and your mom jokes. Kinda entertaining. Not for everyone. But definitely has its moments.

I’m sorry to see this. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to meet or know Mr Moloney. From my understanding, he had a lifelong passion for the game—and especially the goaltending position. He was able to continuously carve out his own, self-made hockey career throughout Western Pennsylvania in several roles that were mostly thankless by any measure of recognition. He was one of the few people that had an energizing hockey aura about him that never faded. He had a hockey playing career that was legitimately enviable and rather trailblazing during a time when Pittsburgh’s youth/minor developmental hockey was nothing compared with what it is today. For any kid with an ounce of athleticism that did not play football in Pittsburgh during the Steelers dynasty in the 1970s (and through the mid-1980s) was unheard of. Not only that, but there was no precedent for a hockey path in or out of Pittsburgh. Sean made his own path from Pittsburgh and made it into playing Canadian Junior A with no blueprint, or no hockey advisors that had connections all over North America that could spread his name. He did it from day 1, and he continued his passion of the game way past the point that most athletes would give up. Here’s a little more information about his story that most people wouldn’t know. https://thehockeywriters.com/sean-moloney-an-incredible-journey/

The High School Goalie situation is definitely a wildcard enigma that gets re-dealt each year. It’s literally the luck of the draw and can change drastically from year-to-year and with each graduating class. The position is pretty much predetermined and must be committed to at such a young age. I’m assuming that most organizations are similar to SHAHA in that they want a dedicated, goalie-only player to fill that position from the first year of Squirts. That’s a big commitment and ask by a kid (and his/her family) to make up his/her mind about the position at 8-9 years old. A lot of variables can influence changes each year; and skaters occasionally reevaluate themselves and make the switch to goalie later in minor hockey. It can become quickly apparent what the number of goalies each PIHL high school will reasonably project to have by their 6th grade. That number can whittle down by high school…but it normally only goes down in number as high school progresses. Rarely do you see a progressive increase in the grade-to-grade goalie depth chart number. Meaning, if your school has two 9th grade goalies one year, that number is most likely not going to jump up to three (+) goalies for their 10th grade year. If anything, that early 8-9th grade goalie depth chart will decrease once their senior year is realized. The majority of Western Pennsylvania’s HS hockey programs are legitimately re-stocked with their own, locally produced in-school district student athletes…therefore, it can unfortunately go from “feast” to “famine” rather abruptly. Peters Twp went from having 4 Senior goalies (plus several other underclassman goalies) just three short seasons ago on the varsity squad…they literally could not produce enough ice time for their goalies due to the gluttony of the position in the high school system…to now swinging closer to the polar opposite. The high school goalie wildcard is the one position that can influence everything.

I remember when they tried it at the NHL/Professional level and it was resoundingly rejected. It was supposed to speed up the game and increase odd-man rushes…which would have been a 180° turn from the dump-and-chase, left-wing lock that bogged down any odd man breaks and seized up any real scoring opportunities. Sometimes the intent of the rule has the opposite repercussions. In this case, it increased the unnecessary stoppages by having inadvertent offsides and basically did the opposite. At least the NHL recognized it and resolved it the following year.

The automatic offsides is the worst rule change/adoption that I can honestly ever remember. Plus, it’s never been changed/modified after it’s clearly become unnecessary. I get it for the younger players who are learning the rules. But, when you’re 14+ years old and understand the rule of offside…it’s frustrating to see an inadvertent deflection barely cross the blue line into the attacking zone only to get called for auto offsides. It’s a waste of time and has ZERO implications on the current flow of the game—EXCEPT—for slowing the game down unnecessarily.

But, yet…I’m assuming that they’re still actively recording the statistics. Only, they don’t want to go through the trouble of making them public. It might make someone upset if they see that Johnny got a hat trick, but only got credited for 2 goals. I wonder if anyone has given a preemptive thought about drafting a paragraph or two into their bylaws that would address these concerns over upsetting a/some parent(s). Or, perhaps simply make a link to a PDF addendum that would easily spell out what the PAHLs policies and procedures are for game sheet publication…and how to account for any suspected discrepancies. I know for a fact that other amateur leagues and organizations have at least a basic appeal process that can easily reconcile any errors. It’s really quite basic to continue posting something as simple as a scoresheet. I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that nobody has brought into light, demonstrated any qualms, or raised any questions about the accuracy of the game sheets being published up to this point. In my opinion, the PAHL needs to demonstrate that they are a legitimate, appropriately sanctioned USA Hockey Association. It’s really only raising red flags that they are reacting in a reflexive manner when they suddenly remove information as soon as it brought to light. From any outsider’s perspective, it begs the question…are they hiding something? If so, what, and why? Why is it so easy to find the most basic data points that have routinely been collected and published (i.e. game sheets or player statistics) on every other legitimate Amateur Hockey Association in North America? Whereas, the PAHL’s powers that be are blatantly tripping over themselves trying to cover-up, or railroad, or delete, or hide, or remove, or (insert whatever applicable synonym of the word obstruct that you’d prefer to use here) information and obviously denying access of their players’ individual statistics. Have the PAHL politicians really become so blatantly corrupt to the point where they are now playing a shell game of hiding all of the game sheet information? Especially at their highest 18U AA level? It’s absurd, quite frankly. It also wreaks of the unnecessary smell that inevitably occurs with deceitful behavior and the unfortunate deterioration of trust. I’m not saying that this is intentionally occurring here. I’m only pointing out that this is basic human nature and sometimes occurs. Again, I’m not pointing out anyone specifically; nor am I saying that anyone is intentionally performing deceitful acts. The timing is not great. Am I the only person that sees this as a questionable conflict of interest? Or, it could also be perceived as another example of a way to privately manipulate data. The lack of transparency coupled with reactionary and increasingly restrictive behavior is unsettling. At the very least, it raises more questions than anything. Again, my whole point is that the PAHL should be promoting their older (18U AA specifically) players in any way possible that allows the players to gain recognition; and possibly exposure “up” the traditional hockey ladder with higher levels of player development. This in turn, would help to establish the PAHL as a high-end Pittsburgh-based league that successfully develops AA players. Youth minor players would be more inclined to see the PAHLs member teams as a great opportunity to develop as a player and know that they will at least get some “looks” by other higher level clubs and leagues. Unfortunately, to many (not including me), the PAHL is viewed as a relegation league for players that couldn’t make the (sometimes faux) AAA, or the “independent” AA teams. Not knowing that many of the 18U AA PAHL teams actually do, in fact, receive scouting and coaches that occasionally attend their games. It’s not every game, and it’s not all the time…but it does happen (probably a little more frequently this season).

Bush League move…in my opinion…if you’re correct. Disappointing

Just curious as to see if anyone else is mysteriously unable to locate the individual game statistics that the PAHL so graciously provided prior to this past weekend? Its weird how when one clicks on the calendar when multiple games are shown; then clicks on a final score between 2 PAHL teams that played against one another…it becomes readily available that all of the game information is provided. Names, numbers, goals, assists, penalty minutes…goalie win/loss, goalie shots/saves, save % etc, are obviously included on any game prior to the weekend of 1/21/2024 and 1/20/2024. However, when one clicks on the calendar of most recent games…there’s nothing there. At least for me. I just wanted to confirm that I am the only one experiencing this glitch. Please feel free to point out otherwise.

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Meadville had a dynasty in the mid-1990s. I remember playing up there when they had professional scouts coming for their games and they would pack their barn almost like it was Minnesota HS hockey. The Esmark (Steel City) Stars couldn’t beat that team for years. They had Canadian HS teams come down and lose…and I remember Quebec College Prep School come in and get beat by Meadville. Ryan Smart was a 4th Round NHL Draft Pick straight out of Meadville. They had something going that was incredible for Western Pennsylvania High School hockey.

Just out of curiosity, why do you suggest that the West Virginia schools should play in Class B? Is there even a Class “B?” I know that there’s D2 for the intermingled schools. Wheeling Park’s record is 13-3-0 (2nd place in Class A Blue Division). Wheeling Central Catholic’s record is .500 (6-6-1, 8th place out of 12 schools in the Blue Division). Morgantown is in 1st place in the D2 Blue Division (9-4-0 record). I’m not sure if it’s still the case, but it used to be ruled that because all 3 schools are not in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, they don’t qualify for the postseason tournament. So, they don’t affect the Penguins Cup playoffs or the State Championship game. If anyone in Class “A” should be moved, it’s Bishop Canevin…they should be promoted up to a higher class as they have a regular season record of 44-2-1 in the last 3 seasons. I’m not exactly sure why they’re in D2–probably because they have a co-op squad; but so does Wheeling Central Catholic, or any private school or parochial school…especially on the eastern side of the Commonwealth). Regardless, what you’re suggesting is that the 3 West Virginia schools should be in Class B? Is there a reason other than a mismatch of competitive balance?

Just for comparison purposes. The CSDHL has 14 teams total; 10 of which are top-50 in the nation (5 are top-10). They are obvious about promoting their league and members in such a way that leaves no doubt that the CSDHL is the #1 Tier 2 AA Developmental league are in the USA. You can easily find the league teams (it’s literally in their MHR names), the league/team website, teams/organizations within their website…and access everything applicable from an outsider’s perspective. The CSDHL only has 14 members, but outranks the other 188 “Independent” teams (as if they were their own mega-league) that are represented by any statistical measure. The CSDHL has the most Top-50 (10), most Top-10 (5), even all 3 of the Top-3 teams are in their league. The beautiful thing about is that they promote attention. They want their players to get promoted to higher levels. That’s how they get high-end players. They don’t fear getting poached by “Independent” teams. They can show hard data that suggests that their players are better off being in their league and on their member teams. Just to compare the PAHL, there are 8 member teams in the U18 AA level. 4 of which are top-50. Currently, ONE team (Armstrong Arrows) is Top 6 in the national rankings—this takes into account all of the 243 Tier 2 teams. Out of the legitimate AA leagues in the country (I don’t include AHF, as it is a 31-“member” cluster of (you-know-what) independent clubs that are trying to dress up as a league); the PAHL is ranked THIRD—just behind the CSDHL and the 9 team Minnesota Tier 2 AA league that represent the most top-50 teams in the national rankings. That is honestly really great company to be included with. We have Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey’s 18 U AA hockey league in the same sentence as Minnesota’s and the best AA league that Michigan/Chicago provide. They all promote their organizations and players. They don’t hide them. My overall point is that the PAHL is doing itself and players a major disservice by not making their players’ statistical information readily accessible and promoted, in my opinion. It would only enrich their player development and attract the best AA players to want to come and play for a team/league that is getting attention. Show that the PAHL produces T2 National Champions and their players go on to bigger things. .Sorry for the lack of brevity. Hockeyisgreat made me think that someone high in the PAHL might see this thread and re-consider their restricted access approach; and move toward a promoting their players (at least for the U18 AA level, and even U16 AA level)

Yes! The CSDHL is the best AA Tier 2 league in the nation. In fact, they promote their teams and players and embrace their role as a “Developmental AA League.” It literally says it in their name…The Central States Developmental Hockey League. They’re not trying to hide their players. I’d argue that one of the reasons why they’re the best AA league because they’re attracting players that know they’re going to get looked at get. The CSDHL is not necessarily a terminal last stop “End of the Road League.”

You had me up until the “spreadsheet and a couple of hours time” part. I guess that I can understand the fear of independent teams poaching players; but only up to a certain age point and they definitely should be publicizing the U18 level…especially the AA. The majority of the U18 AA players are in their last year anyways. There’s nobody to retain. It’s got to be only hurting whatever chance of advancement that the 18UAA kids might have. I mean, there’s at least a few really good PAHL AA teams that are nationally ranked high. Armstrong Arrows are currently ranked #5 in the Nation for Tier 2 and are beating legitimate AAA teams. The Pittsburgh Predators AA team is ranked higher that their AAA team and it’s not even that close. The Steel City Ice Renegades won the Tier 2 National Championship a couple of years ago (although I think that was 16UAA). I’d think that the PAHL would want to show that they are developing players that get promoted past their AA level (even if’s a lower level Junior league); not the other way around. IMO, it would help keep the independent (dare I say faux) AAA teams away from poaching players if the PAHL can show that their best teams in the highest divisions are getting national recognition and visibility of their players from higher levels. I mean, the PAHL has a U18 AA team in their league that is superior to the same organization’s “other” Independent U18 AAA. What more evidence do they need?

Id like to piggyback a question if anyone knows; why doesn’t the PAHL provide their league with individual statistics in aggregate compilation on their website? The PIHL does, and it’s essentially the same format of SportsEngine as PAHL. For instance, say I wanted to look up and compare the goalies in PIHL. It’s easy to find each division and compare: Games Played, Minutes Played, SOG, SVs, Goals Against Average, Save %…you can even see their PIMs and Assists under the separate “skater” category in PIHL. You can separate it by each division, or do the whole overall Varsity or JV league-wide comparison. Same thing with skaters statistics. But the only statistics that you can find on PAHL for goalies is the number of Games Played. That’s it. No Goals Against Average, no Save Percentage, no W-L-T record. In this day and age, it seems weird to not provide the running statistical total…especially for the top-end AA teams.

Is it just me, or does it seem like Belmont Complex in Armstrong is a void for FPP…especially for the road teams? I can’t remember the last time I was there for one of my son’s games and his team was awarded all (or maybe any) Fair Play Points. This is over several years and 3-4 different organizations.

So, it looks like we added 2 new rows at the AAA division. Considering that there’s only a 3 point difference between the current #2 through #7 in the standings…it’s basically a bingo ball shuffle each week…just call out each ball as they pop out one at a time. The way that the parity has been; it would probably look the same. It’s been interesting all season, but now is when each game will be amplified. It’s going to make for a really exciting final few weeks. Hope everyone stays healthy and available for their teams. And as the Old 2-9er would say, “buckle up baby”

Around here? It’s going to be a stretch to find that. Ohio University on some nights, Liberty University, Penn State University ACHA before Pegula/NCAA. I’m talking southeast and southwest United States. It seems the further south you go, the bigger the college hockey support is—even for ACHA. Non-traditional hockey markets/schools are having a huge bump in attendance and support. The mid-America/northeast America ACHA schools don’t seem to really care much about supporting their school/club team. But, schools like Arizona, UNLV, Tennessee, North Carolina, NC St, Alabama, Georgia, you’d be surprised how much support they get…they don’t care if their school is ACHA D3, or whatever the new conference name is. It’s all about school support, not “the best hockey.”

One could say the same about local High School PIHL hockey as well. It’s ok to hype up a school’s hockey program. Those in the “know” understand the true difference. Regardless, having incredible media and student-body support for your school’s hockey program is awesome…regardless of the pecking order of competition. It has to be exciting to play in front of a continuous home crowd of 2,000+ people at an ACHA school…compared with a lot of afterthought small schools in NCAA D3, or even NCAA D1. I remember Kent St and University of Findlay having NCAA D1 hockey teams that had less support than their ACHA clubs do.

I think that you’re obviously missing my point. I was generalizing ACHA D1 and comparing the overall level of play to NCAA D1 and NCAA D3. The gap between ACHA D1 and NCAA D3 is small…generally speaking. I gave an example of a local, Pittsburgh area, school-sponsored NCAA D3 hockey team. A school that most locals would at least be familiar with. Would it make you feel better if I swapped, say—Hobart, Trinity, or Norwich in place of Chatham? I’m pretty sure that most of our average hockey fans aren’t familiar with many (if any) NCAA D3 hockey programs. Chatham University was simply the proverbial local example that I used for my broad point of reference. Oh, and by the way…just say ‘NO’ to drugs.

There’s still a pretty big gap between NCAA D1 and ACHA D1…especially when we’re talking top-20 NCAA. Now, the gap between NCAA D3 and ACHA D1 is not significant. I’d like to see Minot St play Chatham University men’s team. That would be a competitive game.

I can attend to this. I remember playing Liberty University at the Roanoke Civic Center (not sure of the exact name) in 2001/2002. It was the same arena that their ECHL team played. One one hand, it was kind of awesome and memorable to play in a 6,000+ (estimated) arena. But on the other hand, it was such a huge and cavernous arena to play in front of less than 100 or so fans/students. Their coaches (Liberty’s) warned us ahead of time that everything echoed and the stands looked so dark because they didn’t turn all of the lights on since nobody would sit in the seats. It’s really awesome to see how much support they get now with their own on-campus arena and ESPN+ coverage. Great work by all involved in building that program.

Ok…it’s Friday, 12/1/2023…The last time the rankings were posted was 11/17/2023. I may not speak for everyone else…but I appreciate the time spent and overall human element of consideration that comes with this one person poll. Admittedly, I’m biased towards really only caring about 3A and 2A. But, I’m also certain that others enjoy these as well. Plus, on the flip side…I always remember that it’s basically a person’s opinion that’s mixed with facts and perceived potential. I mean, anyone can pull up the actual PIHL standings and see how many points each school has; and compare them with games played, W/L/T, etc. But, in reality it’s basically a hodgepodge of incomplete information that only looks at the past. It inevitably fluctuates…at least until the very end of the season when every team has the same amount of games played. Only then, it all comes together completely. With that said; AAA has a 4-way tie for first place…and a 7-team race where one or two games can fluctuate and slide a team’s position from first place to seventh place in a week or so. If you’re even slightly interested in Western PA HS Hockey…this has to be the equivalent of any legitimate crapshoot for a regular season divisional championship.

^^This^^ I’ve been witness to (as a parent) and as a player (in separate occasions) when there our team did not have a qualified USA Hockey-sanctioned coach behind the bench for a game—for whatever unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances—and had to scramble to find a legitimate, pamphlet-holding person to stand behind the bench. I got to tell you, it sucks to be on the short end of the “not-having-a-qualified-coach” stick. Especially when there’s obvious alternatives available. It sometimes comes down to travel hiccups; or parent-coach vs having to choose between multiple children during tournaments in the same city but get shafted in the end because of game times; or, illnesses/family emergencies while away for tournaments; or even automobile breakdowns enroute to/from away games. If you’re around youth hockey long enough, you’ll eventually see every imaginable scenario play out. I can sum up a bunch of long stories made short…it’s simply much better for everyone involved to push any given team(s) roster into the grey area of having too many qualified coaches vs the opposite where you run the risk of not having any coaches and are forced to forfeit. Sobeit, if there’s a common head/assistant coach’s name that is represented on more than a couple of teams. Just as long as they are willing to take their time and energy to act on their “coach” title…I would rather shake their hand than question their motives.