High school ice hockey in Pennsylvania explained

Teams from 150 high schools competed as varsity ice hockey teams in Western and Eastern Pennsylvania.[1] Unlike many 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. However although it is considered a club it is still a part of the High School as a sport and is affiliated with the school. Some high schools with lower hockey participation may combine with other schools to have sufficient rosters. Most schools with a varsity ice hockey team also field a junior varsity team as well

Format

Varsity teams are divided into four divisions, AAA, AA, A, and B (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 varsity 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, Pennsylvania, lasted a single season, with only the 2005 series being held at the historic Hersheypark Arena. Starting in 2014 the state championship is now being playing at Pegula Ice Arena The first Pennsylvania Cup was held at the University of Pennsylvania's Class of 1923 Ice Rink under the auspices of The Philadelphia Flyers "Hockey Central" organization. USA Hockey's Mid America Director Frank Black and The Flyers' Andy Abramson organized the championship, after Flyers President Robert "Bob" J. Butera and Penguins EVP Paul Martha agreed to sponsor the event annually. in State College, PA.

Alumni

Notable professional players that have participated in Pennsylvania high school hockey include Chad Kolarik, Colby Cohen, Brian O'Neill, Ray Dilauro, Mike Richter, Ryan Malone, R.J. Umberger, Mike Weber, Nick Foligno, Eric Tangradi, Nate Guenin, Brandon Saad, Dylan Reese, Shane Ferguson, Matt Bartkowski, John Zeiler, Christian Hanson, William Thomas, Grant Lewis, Tony Voce, Ray Staszak, Matt Clackson, Rob Madore, Ryan Mulhern, John Gibson and Ryan Gunderson. The state has also produced alumni that went on to play minor professional and elite collegiate levels.

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

(note: Phillipsburg High School from New Jersey also plays in LVSHL.)

Western PA

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

Programs

SchoolNicknameColorsEstablishedLeagueClassDistrict League TitlesState Championships
Galloping Ghosts Red and White 1974SHSHL AA 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 2003, 20041976
Allentown Central Catholic High SchoolVikingsGreen and GoldLVSHL
Mountain Lions Maroon and White LMHL A
Dutchman Red, Black and White CPIHL AA
Bridgers Garnet and Grey 1993 PIHL AA
Patriots Red and White EHSHL AAA 1981, 2004
Raiders Red, Black and Gold 1974 LCSHL & LBCSHL AAA
Vikings Black, Green and Gold 1975SHSHL AAA 2013, 2017
Armstrong Junior/Senior High School Riverhawks Royal, Orange, and White 2015 PIHL AA 2018
Red Devils Black, Red, and Gold 1999 ICSHL - Chester County AA
NEPASHL
Highlanders Purple and White 1973 PIHL AA 1974, 1975, 1988, 2021
Golden Knights Blue, Gold and White ICSHL - Chester County A 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Bobcats Maroon, Gray and White 1985 PIHL B (Open) 1987, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2016 1991, 2001
Owls Blue, Gray and White LBCSHL AAA
Blackhawks Orange and Black 1972 PIHL AAA 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005
Golden HawksBrown and Gold1991 LVSHLAA
Crusaders Navy Blue, Columbia Blue and White 1972 PIHL A 1983, 1984, 1989, 2011
Marauders Purple and Gold LMHL A
Crimson Crushers Crimson and Gold 1985 PIHL A 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999
Lancers Black and Gold SHSHL AA
Eagles Green and Black ICSHL - Chester County AAA
Bears Red and White ICSHL - Independent A
Golden Toronado Blue and Gold 1974 PIHL AAA
Big Macs Gold and Blue 1994 PIHL AAA
Lions Red and Blue 1969 EHSHL AAA 2010 2010
Cougars Blue and Gold 1996 PIHL Open
Ramblers Orange and Black 1974 PIHL AA 1984, 1997, 2015 1984, 1997, 2015
Colts Blue and Gold 1994 CPIHL AA
Central Wolves Red and White PIHL Open
Central Bucks High School East[13] Patriots Red, Blue and White SHSHL AA 2011
Central Bucks High School South[14] Titans Blue, Black and WhiteSHSHL AA 2005, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016. 2017, 2018 2014, 2016
Central Bucks High School West[15] Bucks Black and Gold SHSHL AA 2005
Vikings Gold and Blue 1972 PIHL AAA
Warriors Blue and White 2010 PIHL Open
Rams Green and White 1994 CPIHL Tier 1AA
Panthers Orange and Black 1997 CPIHL Tier 1AA 2011
Colts Red and Blue 1972 PIHL A 1986 1986
Eagles Maroon and Grey ICSHL - Independent A
Blue Jays Blue and White 1998 LMHL A
Pioneers Garnet and Gray 1969 ICSHL - Central AA 1985, 1986 1985, 1986
Falcons Blue and White 1995 PIHL (B) Open
Eagles Blue and White 1974 LBCSHL AAA 1999 1995, 1999
Council Rock High School North[16] Indians Blue, White and Silver 1976 SHSHL AA
Council Rock High School South[17] Golden Hawks Blue, Gold and White 2003 SHSHLAA2010, 2020 2012
Crestwood High SchoolCometsRed, White, and BlackNEPASHL
Eagles Black and Red CPIHL Tier I AA
Cougars Blue and Yellow ICSHL - Chester County AA 2017, 2018 2017, 2018
Whippets Blue and Yellow ICSHL - Chester County AA
Red Rovers Red and White LVSHL AA
Green Hornets Green and Gold LVSHL AA 1991, 1992
Tigers Red and White 1975 LKSHL 1977, 1981, 1982 1977, 1981, 1982
Crusaders Blue and Red LCSHL AAA 1990, 1993
Yellow Jackets Gold and Black 1996 LMHL A
Rangers Dark Green, Gold, and White 1991, 2018 LMHL A
Bisons LKSHL
Foxes Red and Black 1972 PIHL A
Panthers Navy and Gold 1981 PIHL AA
Patriots Black and Yellow LVSHL 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2007
Yellow Jackets Blue and Gold 1973 PIHL A
Jaguars Black and Maroon 1993 ICSHL - Central A
Gators Black, Vegas Gold, and White / Dark Grey1972 PIHL AA 1976, 1991, 1996 (AAA)
Patriots Blue and Red Independence Hockey League (Western Pennsylvania) AA 1983
Patriots Blue and White ICSHL - Chester County A
Wildcats Black and Orange 1981 PIHL AA 2008, 2009, 2010 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013
Golden Lions Brown and Gold PIHL A
Talbots Gold and Blue 1973 PIHL AA 1985,
Huskies Orange and Black LKSHL
Hatters Black, Red and White 1973 SHSHL A 2018
Fords Red and White 1969 ICHSL-CENTRAL AA 2005, 2006, 2007 1992
Fords Maroon and Gold IHL Independent Prep League
Spartans Blue and Grey 1995 PIHL AA
Black Knights Red, Black & White1994 CPIHL Tier I AA
Trojans Orange and Blue1994 CPIHL Tier I A 2024
Firebirds Red and Blue LCSHL & LBCSHL AAA 2015
Indians Red and Black 1992 PIHL A 2021
Buccaneers Black and Gold EHSHL A
Blue Devils Blue and White ICSHL - Chester County A
Cavaliers Navy and Gold 1994 PIHL A
Explorers Navy and Gold ICSHL AAA 1998, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2016, 2019 1998, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2023, 2024
Hurricanes Red and Blue LVSHL
Falcons Blue and White CPIHL AA
Bulldogs White, Grey, Maroon and Black ICSHL - CentralAA
Friars Blue and Gray ICSHL - Chester County AAA 1990,2004 1990, 2004, 2021
Tigers Orange and Black 1969, 2016 ICSHL A
Planets Blue and Gold 1988 PIHL AA 2011 2010, 2011
Trojans Blue and White 1972 PIHL Open
Bulldogs Red and Black 1979 PIHL A 1987, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2003 1987, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2003
Warriors Green and White ICSHL - IndependentAA
Friars Green and White ICSHL AAA 1991 1991
Spartans Black and Gold 1972 PIHL AA
Tigers Black and Red 1972 PIHL Open
Blue Devils Blue and Gold 1971 PIHL AAA 1976, 2006 1976, 2006
Blue Eagles Blue and White LVSHL
Redskins Red, Blue and White SHSHL AA
Lancers Red and White 2018 PIHL B (Open)
Saints Black and Gold ICSHL - Independent A
Tigers Black and Gold 1973 PIHL AAA 2007, 2013 2007, 2013
Trojans Scarlet and Gold 1972, 2016 PIHL A 1977, 1981, 1986, 1992, 1993, 1995
Northampton Area High SchoolKonkrete KidsOrange, Black, and White1990LVSHLA 1997, 2003, 2021, 2023, 2024
Indians Red and White 1973 PIHL AA
Knights Blue, Gray and White 2005SHSHL AA 2002, 2009, 2014
Knights Blue and Gold 1974 PIHL A
Cougars Orange and Black CPIHL AA
Trojans Red and White 2000LVSHL AA 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Bucks Purple, white and blackNEPASHL 1998, 2007
Lions Red and Gold ICSHL - CentralA 20052005
Pennridge High School[18] Rams Green, White, and Black SHSHLAA 2008, 20192022, 2024
Pennsbury High School[19] Falcons Black and Orange 1975 SHSHL AA 1986, 2021 1985
Warriors Green and Gold 1993 PIHL AA
Vikings Orange, Black and White ICSHL AA
Indians Red and Black 1973 PIHL AAA 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2017 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2017, 2022
Phillipsburg High SchoolStatelinersGarnet and GrayLVSHL1998, 1999, 2001
Rams Green and Black 1972 PIHL AA 2006, 2007, 2019 2006, 2007, 2019
Patriots Red, White, and Blue NEPASHL
Bears Blue and White LVSHL AA 2002
Mustangs Purple and Gold 1987 PIHL AAA 1989, 2017 1989
Colonials Red, White & Blue 1976SHSHL A 2009, 2020
Panthers Blue, Gold & White 2010 SHSHL A
Quakers Black and Gold 1998 PIHL AA 2006, 2012
Panthers Blue and White SHSHL A 2009
Maroon and White ICSHL - Central A 2002, 2003, 2004 2003, 2004
Rams Blue and Red 1991 LMHL A 1999
Raiders Green and Black ICSHL - Central AA
Rams Navy and Vegas Gold PIHL B 1990, 1992, 1993, 2010, 2019
Cahillites Purple and Gold LCSHL & LBCSHL AAA
Hawks Crimson and Grey 1969 EHSHL AAA 2018
NEPASHL
Raiders Black and Blue 1992 PIHL AAA
Eagles Red and Gold 1987 PIHL A 2000, 2001, 2002 2000, 2001, 2002
PanthersRed and Black1973 MPHL (Midwest Prep Hockey League) / ISHL (Independent School Hockey League) A
IndiansNavy and Gold 1973MPHL (Midwest Prep Hockey League) / ISHL (Independent School Hockey League) A
Titans Red and Blue 1971 PIHL AA 1985, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2009
Eagles Orange and Black 1993 LMHL A
Indians Red and Black SHSHL AA
Lions Green and White 2001 PIHL A 2023
Eagles Blue and White 1973 PIHL A 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
Southern Lehigh High SchoolSpartansBlue and White2009LVSHL2022
Cougars Blue and Gold ICSHL - Central A
Rams Blue and Yellow ICSHL AA
Little Lions Maroon and Gray 1975 LMHL A 2006, 2019
Strath Haven High School[20] Panthers Black and White ICSHL - Central A
River Rats Blue and Green LVSHL
NEPASHL
Vanguards Blue and GlodICSHL - Independent A
Jaguars Black and Gold 1981 PIHL A 1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2022 1998, 1999, 2000
Hillers Blue and White 1994 PIHL B (Open)
Raiders Green and Black 2007 ICSHL - IndependentA
Indians Blue and Gold ICSHL - Chester County A
Royals Purple and Gold EHSHL AA
Cardinals Black and Red SHSHL A 2007, 2008
Bears Purple and Gold 1976SHSHL A 2012, 2014
Panthers Red and Black 1971 PIHL AAA 1980, 1987, 1990, 2011 1980, 1987, 2011
Warwick Warriors Red& Black1996 CPIHL Tier II A
Indians Red and Dark Grey 1992 PIHL AA
Vikings Red, Gold and Black ICSHL - Chester County A 2008, 2013[21] 1982, 2008, 2013, 2021, 2022, 2023
Warriors Maroon and Black ICSHL - Chester County A 2007 2007
Hilltoppers Red and Grey 1980 PIHL A 2003
Zephyrs Maroon and Yellow 1998 LVSHL
Panthers Red, Black and White 1975SHSHL AA 1977, 1979, 1992, 20061988
Greyhounds Navy and Gold 2018 PIHL B (Open)
Trojans Blue and Gold SHSHL A2003, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2021
Wyoming SeminaryKnightsBlue and White2015NEPASHL
NEPASHL
NEPASHL

Folded programs

SchoolNicknameColorsYear FoldedLast LeagueLast DivisionLeague TitlesState Championships
Churchill Chargers Red White & Black 1986 WPIHL 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983 1977 and 1979; Finalists: 1975 and 1976
JP McCaskey High School Red Tornados Red and Black 1998
Jeannette Jayhawks Red and Blue 2001 PIHL
Mercyhurst Prep (Erie)Lakers Dark Green, White, and Black 2001 LKSHL
Hopewell Vikings Navy and Gold 2002 PIHL
Seton-La Salle Rebels Green and Gold 2003 PIHL A 1975, 1979, 1993, 1998, & 1999 1979 & 1998
Belle Vernon Area Leopards Dark Green, Black, and Vegas Gold 2004 PIHL
Penn Hills Indians Red and Vegas Gold 2006 PIHL B (Open)
West Mifflin Titans Royal Blue, Gold, and White/Black 2007 PIHL
Steel Valley Ironmen Maroon and Gold 2007 PIHL
Woodland Hills Wolverines Turquoise and Black 2008 PIHL
Valley (New Kensington) Vikings Black, Vegas, and White 2008 PIHL
Trojans Royal and White 2009 PIHL A
Ligonier Valley Rams Red, Black, White 2011 PIHL
South Allegheny Gladiators Navy and Gold 2012 PIHL A (JV)
Frazier Commodores Red and White 2013 PIHL
Quigley Catholic Spartans Maroon and Gold 2013 PIHL B (Open)
Taylor Allderdice Dragons Dark Green and Black 2013 PIHL B (Open) 1980, 1981, 1987, 1988, & 1989
Keystone Oaks Golden Eagles Black and Vegas Gold 2014 PIHL B (Open)
Ford City Jr./Sr. High School (now Armstrong Junior/Senior High School)Sabers Purple and Gold 2015 PIHL B (Open)
Kittanning High School (now Armstrong Junior/Senior High School)Wildcats Red and Grey 2015 PIHL A
Greensburg Central Catholic Centurions Maroon, Silver, and White/Black 2018 PIHL A 1992, 1993, 1994, & 1996 1993, 1994, 1996
Derry Area Trojans Royal, Gold, and White 2018 LMHL

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: State High School Hockey Rankings . Ushsho.com . 2013-11-07.
  2. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20070710235638/http://www.bsihl.com/index.htm . New Page 2 . 2007-07-10 . 2013-11-07.
  3. Web site: Central Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League . Cpihl.com . 2013-11-07 . 2014-01-02 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140102094255/http://cpihl.com/ . dead .
  4. Web site: East Penn Scholastic Hockey League . leaguelineup.com . 2014-02-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110129025045/https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=epshl. 2011-01-29 .
  5. Web site: HS Hockey 2011–2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120213114421/http://www.icshl.org/servlet/gameServlet?method=displvlidx&jspURL=%2Flevelindex.jsp&level=3 . dead . 2012-02-13 . 2012-02-13 . 2013-11-07 .
  6. Web site: Icshl.Org . Icshl.Org . 2013-11-07.
  7. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20090303095013/http://www.lvshl.org/index.html . 2009-03-03 . Welcome to the Home of the L.V.S.H.L. . 2013-11-07 .
  8. Web site: Northeast Pa Scholastic Hockey League. Nepashl.org. 2013-11-07.
  9. Web site: Suburban High School Hockey League . Shshl.org . 2013-11-07.
  10. Web site: Lbcshl.org . Lbcshl.org . 2013-11-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130917181239/http://www.lbcshl.org/ . 2013-09-17 . dead .
  11. Web site: Lakeshore Hockey League. September 30, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120930014836/http://www.lakeshorehockeyleague.com/index.php. 2012-09-30.
  12. Web site: Welcome to http://www.pihlweb.com . Pihlweb.com . 2013-11-07 . dead . 2012-02-13 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120213114421/http://www.pihlweb.com/index.php?pr=Home_Page .
  13. Web site: index.html . https://web.archive.org/web/20120206002551/http://www.cbeasticehockey.org/ . dead . 2012-02-06 . 2012-02-06 . 2013-11-07.
  14. Web site: CB South Ice Hockey . CB South Ice Hockey . 2013-11-07 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160503171132/http://www.cbsouthicehockey.com/ . 2016-05-03 .
  15. Web site: Central Bucks West Ice Hockey . Cbwesticehockey.com . 2013-11-07.
  16. Web site: Council Rock High School North . Councilrocknorthhockey.org . 2013-10-28 . 2013-11-07 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120206002550/http://www.councilrocknorthhockey.org/ . February 6, 2012 .
  17. Web site: Council Rock Ice Hockey South . crihs.com . 2013-11-07.
  18. Web site: Pennridge – Rams . Eteamz.active.com . 2013-11-07 . 2008-03-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080315214224/http://eteamz.active.com/pennridgeicehockey/index.cfm . dead .
  19. Web site: Pennsbury Ice Hockey Club . Pennsburyhockey.net . 2013-01-05 . 2013-11-07.
  20. Web site: ICSHL: Strath-Haven Panthers | Home Page | Pointstreak Sites . Havenhockey.com . 2013-11-07.
  21. Web site: W.C. East rewards fans with title – Philly.com . Articles.philly.com . 2013-03-24 . 2013-11-07.