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
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.
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.
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.
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.
(note: Phillipsburg High School from New Jersey also plays in LVSHL.)
(note: teams from West Virginia also play in PIHL.)
School | Nickname | Colors | Established | League | Class | District League Titles | State Championships | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Galloping Ghosts | Red and White | 1974 | SHSHL | AA | 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 2003, 2004 | 1976 | |||
Allentown Central Catholic High School | Vikings | Green and Gold | LVSHL | ||||||
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 | 1975 | SHSHL | 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 Hawks | Brown and Gold | 1991 | LVSHL | AA | |||||
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 White | SHSHL | 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 1 | AA | |||||
Panthers | Orange and Black | 1997 | CPIHL Tier 1 | AA | 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 | SHSHL | AA | 2010, 2020 | 2012 | ||
Crestwood High School | Comets | Red, White, and Black | NEPASHL | ||||||
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 Grey | 1972 | 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 & White | 1994 | CPIHL Tier I | AA | |||||
Trojans | Orange and Blue | 1994 | 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 - Central | AA | ||||||
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 - Independent | AA | ||||||
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 School | Konkrete Kids | Orange, Black, and White | 1990 | LVSHL | A | 1997, 2003, 2021, 2023, 2024 | |||
Indians | Red and White | 1973 | PIHL | AA | |||||
Knights | Blue, Gray and White | 2005 | SHSHL | AA | 2002, 2009, 2014 | ||||
Knights | Blue and Gold | 1974 | PIHL | A | |||||
Cougars | Orange and Black | CPIHL | AA | ||||||
Trojans | Red and White | 2000 | LVSHL | AA | 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 | ||||
Bucks | Purple, white and black | NEPASHL | 1998, 2007 | ||||||
Lions | Red and Gold | ICSHL - Central | A | 2005 | 2005 | ||||
Pennridge High School[18] | Rams | Green, White, and Black | SHSHL | AA | 2008, 2019 | 2022, 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 School | Stateliners | Garnet and Gray | LVSHL | 1998, 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 | 1976 | SHSHL | 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 | |||
Panthers | Red and Black | 1973 | MPHL (Midwest Prep Hockey League) / ISHL (Independent School Hockey League) | A | |||||
Indians | Navy and Gold | 1973 | MPHL (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 School | Spartans | Blue and White | 2009 | LVSHL | 2022 | ||||
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 Glod | ICSHL - 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 - Independent | A | |||||
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 | 1976 | SHSHL | A | 2012, 2014 | ||||
Panthers | Red and Black | 1971 | PIHL | AAA | 1980, 1987, 1990, 2011 | 1980, 1987, 2011 | |||
Warwick Warriors | Red& Black | 1996 | 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 | 1975 | SHSHL | AA | 1977, 1979, 1992, 2006 | 1988 | |||
Greyhounds | Navy and Gold | 2018 | PIHL | B (Open) | |||||
Trojans | Blue and Gold | SHSHL | A | 2003, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2021 | |||||
Wyoming Seminary | Knights | Blue and White | 2015 | NEPASHL | |||||
NEPASHL | |||||||||
NEPASHL |
School | Nickname | Colors | Year Folded | Last League | Last Division | League Titles | State 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 |