The Organization

The North Hills Amateur Hockey Association (NHAHA), Western Pennsylvania's premier amateur ice hockey organization, has provided a memorable hockey experience to thousands of area youths since 1964.

The organization provides top instruction to boys and girls of all skill levels through its Pittsburgh Vipers and Pittsburgh Viper Stars programs.

NHAHA is a proud member of the Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League and USA Hockey, and offers competition at the Tier I & Tier II (AAA, AA, A, and B) Levels, as well as an in-house program and the USA Hockey Initiation Program (for beginner hockey players).

Board of Directors

NHAHA is governed by a board of directors that consists of a president, secretary, treasurer, registrar, and whatever other offices and functions the board deems necessary. The actions of the board and its officers are governed by a set of bylaws that reside with the secretary.

Home Rink

The North Hills Amateur Hockey Association uses the Valley Sports Complex in New Kensignton as home ice. The twin-rink facility is located only ten miles from exit 5 of the Pennsylvania State Turnpike and minutes from New Kensington exit Route 28.

Competition Format

Each season the board will determine the number of teams that the association will field and the levels at which those teams will play. A few of the factors taken into account are the amount of ice time provided to the association, the number of players participating at each age level, the number of returning NHAHA players at each age level, etc.

A. NHAHA fields teams at the Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam & Midget levels.

B. All fees for participation on a Pittsburgh Viper, Pittsburgh Viper Stars, In-House, or I.P. Program team are determined prior to the start of each season.

The payment schedule for this year will be on the 1st of each month. The fees for each age group are based only on the costs associated with that team (ice costs, two tournament fees, USA Hockey fees, referee & EMT fees, etc.). Teams are not charged an extra fee to cover costs for other teams within the organization.

Fund raising opportunities are available to the organization membership throughout the year.

A nonrefundable fee is charged for tryouts. At the first tryout, an additional check, commitment fee, will be collected from each participant. If a player is offered a position with the team and declines within 48 hours, the commitment fee check will be returned or destroyed.

(Please note that NHAHA fees do not include any tournament costs associated with the PAHL or USA Hockey playoffs.)

If a player has not paid in full by Feb. 1, he/she will not be allowed on the ice for practices or games, (Exceptions to this policy can be approved only by the NHAHA treasurer.)

C. Any player desiring to play at an age level above his/her birth date must petition and be granted board approval.

D. Jersey Numbers - Returning players at each level have first selection of numbers. New players and players replacing jerseys will be given a jersey number that matches his birth year. (even/odd)

E. Players should respect the fact that NHAHA coaches are expected to spend a great deal of time preparing for practices and games. Players should make every effort to be prompt to practices and games, and should be willing to work hard to try and meet the challenges the coach presents.

F. Not all individuals who try out for NHAHA teams are placed on teams. Playing hockey for NHAHA is a privilege, not a right. Players, while representing the NHAHA organization, are expected to conduct themselves professionally. Respect for property, respect for teammates, opponents, referees, and coaches is expected. Tough, fundamental hockey is strongly encouraged, however, intent to injure, disrespect for an opponent, taunting and trash talk, are unacceptable forms of behavior. NHAHA expects all players to do their talking with hard skating, clean checks and putting the puck in their opponent's net.