High school ice hockey in Pennsylvania

Ice hockey is a popular and growing sport in the state of Pennsylvania. Teams from 150 high schools competed as varsity ice hockey teams in Western and Eastern Pennsylvania [1]. Unlike every other high school sport in Pennsylvania, hockey is not run under Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association umbrella. However, Pennsylvania's high school ice hockey is sanctioned by USA Hockey and varsity-level programs are marginally overseen by the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers organizations through the Penguins Cup and the Flyers Cup.

Contents

Format

Varsity teams are divided into four divisions, AAA, AA, A, and Open. Western divisional champions earn a bid to the Penguins Cup playoff tournament. Eastern divisional teams earn a bid by invitation to the Flyers Cup playoff tournament. All teams are eligible except non-pure and second varsity teams.

State Championship

The Pennsylvania State High School Ice Hockey Championship is awarded through a state tournament. The tournament pits the champions from the Penguins Cup and Flyers Cup with the winners receiving the AAA, AA, or A Pennsylvania Cup. The location changes every year rotating between Western and Eastern cities. Attempts to mirror the PIAA state championships by hosting the games in Hershey, PA lasted a single season, with only the 2005 series being held at the historic Hersheypark Arena.

Alumni

Tyler Hostetter, Ray Staszak, R.J. Umberger, Nick Foligno, Ryan Malone, William Thomas, Ryan Smart, Tony Voce, Mike Richter, Tyler Kolarik, David Thomas, Brendan McCartin, Nate Guenin, Mike Weber, Matt Bartkowski, Kevin Straub and Ryan Gunderson are among the professional players that have participated in Pennsylvania high school hockey.

Historical timeline

Divisions

While the western part of the state has been divided into fairly equal levels at the AAA, AA, and A levels, the eastern part has mostly been run by the independent leagues that compete for Flyers Cup. A change was made recently in an effort to provide more uniformity throughout the eastern portion of the state. Whereas the levels were previously determined by where a team finished in its respective leagues, the Flyers Cup recently restructured the system were AAA is all open enrollment schools, AA is the larger public schools, and A is the smaller public schools. The open enrollment schools are not forced to play AAA, but if they do not they cannot qualify for the Flyers Cup. Changes are still being proposed for the 2008-2009 season that could create a second varsity level for open enrollment schools that do not wish to play at the AAA level.

Leagues

Eastern PA

Western PA

(note: teams from West Virginia also play in PIHL.)

Pennsylvania teams (partial list)

School Nickname Colors Established League Class State Championships
Abington High School Galloping Ghosts Red and White SHSHL AA
Altoona Area High School Mountain Lions Maroon and White PIHL AAA
Annville Cleona High School Dutchman Red, Black and White CPIHL AA
Ambridge Area High School Bridgers Garnet and Grey 1993 PIHL AA
Archbishop Carroll EHSHL AA 1977, 1978, 2004, 2012
Archbishop Ryan Raiders Red, Black and Gold 1974 LCSHL & LBCSHL AAA
Archbishop Wood Vikings Black, Green and Gold SHSHL AAA
Baldwin High School Highlanders Purple and White 1973 PIHL Open 1988
Bayard Rustin High School Golden Knights Blue, Gold and White ICSHL - Chester County A 2009
Beaver Area High School Bobcats Maroon, Gray and White 1985 PIHL A 1991 & 2001
Bensalem High School Owls Blue, Gray and White LBCSHL AAA
Bethel Park High School Blackhawks Orange and Black 1972 PIHL AAA 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2005
Bethlehem Catholic High School Golden Hawks Brown and Gold 1991 LVSHL AA
Bishop Canevin Crusaders Navy and Blue 1972 PIHL AA 2011
Bishop Guilfoyle High School Marauders Purple and Gold PIHL Open
Bishop McCort High School Crimson Crushers Crimson and Gold 1985 PIHL A
Bishop McDevitt High School Lancers Black and Gold SHSHL AA
Bishop Shanahan High School Eagles Green and Black ICSHL - Chester County AAA
Boyertown Area H.S. Bears Red and White ICSHL - Independent A
Butler High School Golden Toronado Blue and Gold 1974 PIHL AAA
Canon-McMillan High School Big Macs Gold and Blue 1994 PIHL AAA
Cardinal O'Hara Lions Red and Blue EHSHL AAA 2010
Carrick High School Cougars Blue and Gold 1996 PIHL Open
Cathedral Prep Ramblers Orange and Black 1974 PIHL AAA 1984, 1997
Cedar Cliff High School Colts Blue and Gold 1994 CPIHL AA
Center Area High School Trojans Royal Blue 2006 PIHL A
Central Wolves Red and White PIHL Open
Central Bucks High School East[2] Patriots Red, Blue and White SHSHL AA
Central Bucks High School South [3] Titans Blue, Black and White SHSHL AA
Central Bucks High School West[4] Bucks Black and Gold SHSHL AA
Central Catholic Vikings Gold and Blue 1972 PIHL AAA
Central Dauphin High School Rams Green and White 1994 CPIHL Tier 1 AA
Central York High School Panthers Orange and Black 1997 CPIHL Tier 1 AA
Chartiers Valley Colts Red and Blue 1972 PIHL AA 1986
Chichester High School Eagles Maroon and Grey ICSHL - Independent A
Conemaugh Valley High School Blue Jays Blue and White 1998 PIHL A
Conestoga High School Pioneers Garnet and Gray ICSHL - Central AA 1985–1986
Connellsville Area High School Falcons Blue and White 1995 PIHL Open
Conwell-Egan Catholic High School Eagles Blue and White 1974 LBCSHL AAA 1999
Council Rock High School North[5] Indians Blue, White and Silver 1976 SHSHL AA 1991
Council Rock High School South[6] Golden Hawks Blue, Gold and White 2003 SHSHL
Cumberland Valley High School Eagles Black and Red CPIHL Tier I AA
Downingtown High School East Cougars Blue and Yellow ICSHL - Chester County AA
Downingtown High School West Whippets Blue and Yellow ICSHL - Chester County AA
Easton Area High School Red Rovers Red and Black LVSHL
Elizabeth Forward High School Warriors Red and Black 1989 PIHL AA
Fairview High School Tigers Red and White 1975 LKSHL 1977,1981,1982
Father Judge Crusaders Blue and Red LCSHL AAA
Ferndale Area Senior High School Yellow Jackets Gold and Black 1996 PIHL Open
Forest Hills High Rangers Green and White 1991 PIHL A
Fort Leboeuf High School Bisons LKSHL
Fox Chapel Foxes Red and Black 1972 PIHL AAA
Franklin Regional Panthers Navy and Gold 1981 PIHL AAA
Freedom High School Patriots Black and Yellow LVSHL
Freeport Yellow Jackets Blue and Gold 1973 PIHL A
Garnet Valley High School Jaguars Black and Marron ICSHL - Central A
Gateway High School Gators Black and Gold 1972 PIHL AAA
Germantown Academy Patriots Blue and Red Independence Hockey League (Western Pennsylvania) AA
Great Valley High School Patriots Blue and White ICSHL - Chester County A
Greater Johnstown High School Trojans Blue and Black 1983 PIHL Open 1992
Greater Latrobe High School Wildcats Black and Orange 1981 PIHL AA 2008,2009,2010
Greensburg Central Catholic Centurions Maroon and Silver 1982 PIHL AA 1993,1994,1996
Greensburg-Salem High School Golden Lions Brown and Gold PIHL
Hampton High School Talbots Gold and Blue 1973 PIHL A
Harbor Creek High School Huskies Orange and Black LKSHL
Hatboro-Horsham High School Hatters Black, Red and White SHSHL AA
Haverford High School Fords Red and White EHSHL AA
The Haverford School Fords Maroon and Gold IHL Independent Prep League
Hempfield Area High School Spartans Blue and Grey 1995 PIHL AAA
Hempfield High School Black Knights Red, Black & White 1994 CPIHL Tier I AA
Hershey High School Trogans Orange and Blue 1994 CPIHL Tier I AA
Holy Ghost Preparatory Firebirds Red and Blue LCSHL & LBCSHL AAA
Indiana Area High School Indians Red and Black 1992 PIHL AA
Interboro High School Buccaneers Black and Gold EHSHL A
Kennett High School Blue Devils Blue and White ICSHL - Chester County A
Kiski Area HS Cavaliers Navy and Gold 1994 PIHL AAA
Kittanning High School Wildcats Red and Grey 1972 PIHL AA
La Salle College High School Explorers Navy and Gold ICSHL AAA 1998,2008,2009
Liberty High School Hurricanes Red and Blue LVSHL
Lower Dauphin High School Falcons Blue and White CPIHL AA
Lower Merion High School Bulldogs Maroon and Black ICSHL - Central A
Malvern Preparatory Friars Blue and Gray ICSHL - Chester County AAA 1990,2004
Marple Newtown HS Tigers Orange and Black EHSHL A
Mars Area High School Planets Blue and Gold 1988 PIHL A 2010–2011
McDowell High School Trojans Blue and White 1972 PIHL AAA
Meadville Area High School Bulldogs Red and Black 1979 PIHL AAA 1987,1989,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,2003
Mercyhurst Prep Lakers Green and Blue LKSHL
Methacton High School Warriors Green and White ICSHL - Independent AA
Monsignor Bonner Friars Green and White ICSHL AAA 1991
Montour High School Spartans Black and Gold 1972 PIHL AA
Moon Area High School Tigers Black and Red 1972 PIHL AA
Mt. Lebanon School District Blue Devils Blue and Gold 1971 PIHL AAA 1976 & 2006
Nazareth Area High School Blue Eagles Blue and White LVSHL
Neshaminy High School Redskins Red, Blue and White SHSHL AA
Neuman-Goretti High School Saints Black and Gold ICSHL - Independent A
North Allegheny Tigers Black and Gold 1973 PIHL AAA 2007
North Catholic High School Trojans Scarlet and Gold 1972 PIHL AA 1981 1995
North Hills Senior High School Indians Red and White 1972 PIHL AAA
North Penn High School Knights Blue, Gray and White SHSHL AA
Norwin High School Knights Blue and Gold 1974 PIHL AAA
Palmyra Area High School Cougars Orange and Black CPIHL AA
Parkland High School Trojans Red and White LVSHL
Penncrest High School Lions Red and Gold ICSHL - Central A

2005
Pennridge High School[7] Rams Green, White, and Black SHSHL AA
Pennsbury High School[8] Falcons Black and Orange 1975 SHSHL AA 1986
Penn-Trafford Warriors Green and Gold 1993 PIHL AAA
Perkiomen Valley Vikings Orange, Black and White ICSHL AA
Peters Township High School Indians Red and Black 1973 PIHL AA 2002, 2003, 2005
Pine-Richland High School Rams Green and Black 1972 PIHL AA 2006 & 2007
Pleasant Valley High School Bears Blue and White LVSHL AA
Plum High School Mustangs Purple and Gold 1987 PIHL AAA 1989
Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School Colonials Red, White & Blue SHSHL A
Quaker Valley High School Quakers Black and Gold 1998 PIHL A 2006
Quakertown High School Panthers Blue and White SHSHL A
Quigley Catholic High School Spartans Maroon and Gold 1990 PIHL Open
Radnor High School Maroon and White ICSHL - Central A 2002, 2003
Richland Cambria Senior High School Rams Blue and Red 1991 PIHL A
Ridley High School Raiders Green and Black ICSHL - Central AA
Ringgold High School Rams Blue and Gold PIHL Open
Roman Catholic Cahillites Purple and Gold LCSHL & LBCSHL AAA
Saint Joseph's Preparatory Hawks Crimson and Grey EHSHL AAA
Seneca Valley High School Raiders Black and Blue 1992 PIHL AAA
Serra Catholic High School Eagles Red and Gold 1987 PIHL A 2000–2002
Sewickley Academy Panthers Red and Black 1972 PIHL A
Shaler Area High School Titans Red and Blue 1971 PIHL AAA
Somerset HS Eagles Orange and Black 1993 PIHL A
Souderton Area High School Indians Red and Black SHSHL AA
South Park High School Eagles Blue and White 1973 PIHL AA
Springfield HS Cougars Blue and Gold ICSHL - Central A
Spring-Ford High School Rams Blue and Yellow ICSHL AA
State College Area High School Little Lions Maroon and Gray 1975 PIHL AAA
Steel Valley High School Ironmen Maroon and Gold PIHL OPEN
Strath Haven High School[9] Panthers Black and White ICSHL - Central A
Stroudsburg High School River Rats Blue and Green LVSHL
Sun Valley HS Vanguards Blue and Glod ICSHL - Independent A
Thomas Jefferson High School Jaguars Black and Gold 1981 PIHL AA
Trinity Hillers Blue and White 1994 PIHL Open
Twin Valley High School Raiders Green and Black 2007 ICSHL - Independent A
Unionville High School Indians Blue and Gold ICSHL - Chester County A
Upper Darby High School Royals Purple and Gold EHSHL AA
Upper Dublin High School Cardinals Black and Red SHSHL A
Upper Moreland High School Bears Purple and Gold SHSHL A
Upper St. Clair High School Panthers Red and Black 1971 PIHL AAA 1980, 1987, 1990, 2011
West Allegheny HS Indians Red and Grey 1992 PIHL AA
West Chester East High School Vikings Red, Gold and Black ICSHL - Chester County A 2008
West Chester Henderson High School Warriors Maroon and Black ICSHL - Chester County A 2007
West Mifflin Area High School Titans Blue and Gold 1971 PIHL Open
Westmont Hilltop Hilltoppers Red and Grey 1980 PIHL A
Whitehall High School Zephyrs Maroon and Yellow 1998 LVSHL
William Tennent High School Panthers Red, Black and White SHSHL AA
Wissahickon High School Trojans Blue and Gold SHSHL A
Woodland Hills High School Wolverines Teal and Black 1993 PIHL Open

Folded programs

School Nickname Colors Folded
Penn Hills Indians Red and Gold 2006
Jeannette Jayhawks Red and Blue 2001
Churchill Chargers Red White & Black 1986
Seton-La Salle Rebels Green and Gold 2003
JP McCaskey High School Red Tornados Red and Black 1998
Marple Newtown High School Tigers Orange and Black 2010

Bensalem High School

References

External links

High school ice hockey in the United States
States
Competitions
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