Pittsburgh Viper Hockey has announced the dates for the 2011-2012 Midget AAA Tournaments to be hosted by the Pittsburgh Viper Stars.

Midget AAA Shootout
Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2011
Valley Sports Complex, New Kensington, PA
Divisions: 18U AAA, 16U AAA and 15U AAA
Fee: $1500.00 per team

(click here to make Midget AAA Shootout
Tournament Hotel Reservations)

Steel City Cup Midget AAA Tournament
Feb. 3-5, 2012
Valley Sports Complex, New Kensington, PA
Divisions: 18U AAA, 16U AAA and 15U AAA
Fee: $1500.00 per team

(click here to make Steel City Cup Midget AAA
Tournament Hotel Reservations)

For more information, please contact Dave Kosick, tournament director, at 724-263-5903 or e-mail (dwk@thekmagroup.com).

Click here to download AAA Tournaments registration form

 

The Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U AAA team has named 11-year old Alexis Ferro, honorary captain for the 2011-12 season.

Ferro, from St. Augustine, FL, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma -- brain cancer, in Nov. of 2010. She is currently undergoing treatment at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

"Alexis represents everything a team could want from a captain," said Viper Stars head coach Dave Kosick.

"She is one tough cookie, has a great attitude and a will to fight. She is certainly poised beyond her years and her spirit through a tough course of treatments demonstrates her tenacity."

Kosick presented Ferro with her captain's sweater during a recent visit to St. Jude's.

"Her most recent prognosis was very encouraging and proof of what a winning spirit is all about," Kosick said.

Kosick and Ferro have set a goal for her to visit Pittsburgh and drop the opening puck for a 18U AAA Viper Stars game during this upcoming season.

To send well wishes, please contact Dave Kosick at (dwk@thekmagroup.com).

If you would like to make a a contribution to the Alexis Ferro "Get Well" fund ... the account is in Gus Ferro's name (c/o Alexis Ferro) ... please mail check to:

Vystar Credit Union
PO Box 45085
Jacksonville, FL 32232
Account: #702848495

The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced the 48 teams (representing 19 programs from across North America), participating in league play for the 2011-2012 season.

Congratulations to our Pittsburgh Viper Stars who were selected to the U18, U16 & U14 levels for the 2011-2012 season.

The Viper Stars will again be the lone representative to the league in the tri-state and surrounding areas.

Operated by the North American Hockey League (NAHL), the NAPHL, which will begin its third season in 2011-12, has already established itself as the premier Tier I league in North America.

With junior, collegiate and professional scouting presence at all of its events, coupled with a first-class organizational staff, the NAPHL offers unparalleled exposure and opportunity for every participating program and player.

For more information or to schedule games, please contact Dave Kosick at (dwk@thekmagroup.com) or (724) 263-5903.

(click here to view Viper Stars news release)

(click here to see NAPHL news release)

Keep up do date with the latest information with former Pittsburgh Viper Star and Pittsburgh Viper Players
by clicking here.

If you have additonal playing information for former Pittsburgh Viper, Pittsburgh Viper Stars, Steel City Stars or Pittsburgh Stars players, please send to (info@thekmagroup.com).

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Congratulations to Derek Belke,
who was drafted by the Port Huron Fighting Falcons of
the North American Hockey League (NAHL)
for the 2011-2012 season.

Belke was selected with the 3rd selection
of the 10th round.

(read news article)

(news release)

----------------------

Congratulations to Alex Baskakov,
who was drafted by the Chicago Steel of
the United States Hockey League (USHL)
for the 2011-2012 season.

Baskakov was selected with the 9th selection
of the 15th round.

(news release)

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(L-R): Coach Dave Kosick, Brett Oldaker, Elliot Tisdale,
Tyler Stepke, Derek Belke, Heinz Koster, Coach Todd Stepke)

Five members of the 2010-2011 Pittsburgh Viper Stars
U18 AAA team, as well as coaches Dave Kosick and Todd
Stepke, helped lead Team Red to a Third Place finish at
the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) Top
Prospects Tournament at the Kansas ExpoCenter in Topeka, KS.

For the tournament, Oldaker led the Red team in scoring
(two goals, one assist), Koster and Belke each scored
one goal and one assist, and Tisdale picked up one assist.
Stepke finished with a .903 save percentage and a 3.03
goals against average.

The three-day Tournament featured 80 of the best players
(18U division) from the 2010-2011 season.

----------------------

Six members of the 2010-2011 Pittsburgh Viper
Stars 18U AAA Midget Tier I team were selected
to participate in 2011 NAPHL Top Prospects Tournament,
May 6 - 8, 2011, in Topeka, Kansas.

Derek Belke (defenseman), Heinz Koster (forward),
Brett Oldaker (forward), Tyler Stepke (goaltender),
Elliott Tisdale (forward), and Bobby Tritschler (forward)
were all named to the "Red" team for the three day
showcase event.

Congratulations to all six on their league recognition.

read news release

----------------------

Two Viper Stars selected to Pittsburgh Region Post-Gazette
Hockey Stellar Six

read news release

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story (Stellar Six)

----------------------

Two Viper Stars selected to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
North Region Hockey Stellar Six

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story (North Stellar Six)

----------------------

Two Viper Stars selected to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
South Region Hockey Stellar Six

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story (South Stellar Six)

----------------------

The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL)
has bestowed post season honors on three members
of the 2010-2011 18U AAA Pittsburgh Viper Stars.

Defenseman Alex Baskakov was named to the
All-PHL First Team. Forward Bobby Tritschler,
was named to the All-PHL First Team and named
to the PHL All-Academic Team. Defenseman Will
Lorenz was named to the PHL All-Academic Team.

Congratulations to all three on their league recognition.

read NAPHL news release

----------------------

The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL)
has bestowed post season honors on three members
of the 2010-2011 18U AAA Pittsburgh Viper Stars.

Defenseman Alex Baskakov was named to the
All-PHL First Team. Forward Bobby Tritschler,
was named to the All-PHL First Team and named
to the PHL All-Academic Team. Defenseman Will
Lorenz was named to the PHL All-Academic Team.

Congratulations to all three on their league recognition.

read NAPHL news release

----------------------

Viper Stars selected for participation in NAPHL for
2011-2012 season

North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL)
Announces 2011 - 2012 Teams

----------------------

Congratulations to Brett Oldaker, who signed
a tender with the Chicago Hitmen
of the Junior A North American Hockey
League (NAHL) for the 2011-2012 season.

(news release)

----------------------

Congratulations to Alex Baskakov and Bobby Tritschler,
who were both tendered by Junior A teams in
the North American Hockey League (NAHL)
for the 2011-2012 season.

Tritschler was tendered by the Janesville Jets and
Baskakov wastendered by the Michigan Warriors.

(news release)

----------------------

Congratulations to former Pittsburgh Viper Star Kaleb
Schwab, who adorns the front page of the Daily Press
Sports Page, member of the Abitibi Eskimoes of the
Canadian Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL)

Kaleb Schwab-Daily Press Article 21-Jan-2011

----------------------

Former Pittsburgh Viper Star Matt White (member
of the 2009-2010 Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U AAA),
continues to turn heads at the University of Vermont.

White started 34 games, including 26
conference games for the Catamounts during the
2010-2011 season. White tallied three goals and eight
assists during his freshman eason, including
his first goal of the year in a nationally televised
win over then 19th ranked Dartmouth.

White, who was ranked #106 on the final National
Hockey League's Central Scouting Service
2009-2010 evaluation, entered Vermont as
a true freshman straight out of midget AAA
hockey (Pittsburgh Viper Stars).

(click here to see Univeristy of Vermont bio)

Former Viper Stars Matt White tallies game tying goal against
#8 ranked New Hampshire (Feb. 19, 2011)

(click here to view NHL Central Scouting news release)

(click here to view University of Vermont news release)

(click here to see Fall 2010 NHL Central Scouting list)

----------------------

Congratulations to Pittsburgh Viper Stars Brett Oldacker,
Miles Liberati and Elliott Tisdale. All three, along with
head coach Dave Kosick, were named to the
Jake's House/Jim Gregory All-Star Game during the
2010 MidgetAAACanada.com Tournament.

Oldacker, Liberati, Tisdale, and Kosick, were selected, based on tournament round-robin play to participate in the game
held in Windsor, Ont.

Playing under Kosick for the white team, the Viper Stars had an impressive showing and skated to a 3-1 win.

----------------------

Congratulations to Ryan Demyen and Nick Blaney, both
selected to represent the Pittsburgh Viper Stars
in the skills competition at the recent
2010 MidgetAAACanada.com Tournament

----------------------

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review ran a story on,
Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010, discussing the recent
success and emergence of the Pittsburgh Viper
Stars on the national scene.

As the story explains, the landscape of Tier I travel hockey
has changed in this area and the Pittsburgh Viper Stars
program has risen to the forefront in providing the
elite travel hockey player
with the national exposure they desire.

----------------------

Conor Burke, High School Hockey Highlight interview with
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

---------------------

Jarrett Ruchka, High School Hockey Highlight interview with
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

----------------------

Brett Oldaker, High School Hockey Highlight interview with
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

----------------------

Jake Friedland, High School Hockey Highlight interview with
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

----------------------

Viper Stars capture the 2010 USHL Midget Showcase
Tournament in Indianapolis

----------------------

Members of the 2010-2011 U18 AAA Pittsburgh Viper Stars
take in some out-of-town NHL action (HSBC Arena in
Buffalo, NY) at a Buffalo Sabres vs. Toronto Maple Leaf
pre-season game ...
(l to r: Bobby Tritschler, Tyler Stepke, Ryan Demyen, Alex
Baskakov, Michael Amelio, Brett Oldaker and Derek Belke)

----------------------

Pittsburgh Viper Stars U18 player Matt White makes
final ranking from NHL Central Scouting Service

NHL Central Scouting 2009-2010 Final Ranking

----------------------

Viper Stars selected to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Hockey Stellar Six

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Story

----------------------

Viper Stars Maroadi to continue as a two sport
specialist in college

----------------------

Viper Stars Shine at National High School Tournament

----------------------

Former Viper Star John "Freddy" Dorman backstops
Evansville IceMen to 2010 All-American Hockey League (AAHL) Davidson Cup Championship

----------------------

Former Viper Star John "Freddy" Dorman is named the AAHL Professional League Goaltender of the Year

----------------------

Viper Stars Dominate PIHL Playoffs

----------------------

Pittsburgh Viper Stars U18 player Matt White gives
verbal agreement to attend University of Vermont

----------------------

Former Viper Star John "Freddy" Dorman is named
number two star for the Evansville IceMen of the professional
All-American Hockey League (AAHL)

(click here to view the Hall of Fame)

Watch exciting Pittsburgh Viper Stars AAA Hockey on FASTHockey.

See the Viper Stars in North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) action, and selected other events, all season long.

To view next upcoming televised game or to watch previously recorded games, please click on the FASTHockey link below.

Pittsburgh Viper Hockey is proud to announce the 2011 Thanksgiving Classic Tournament.

Midget AAA Shootout
Nov. 25 - 27, 2011
Valley Sports Complex, New Kensington, PA
Divisions: Squirts (10U), Pee Wees (12U, Bantams (14U) & Midgets (16U & 18U)
Fee: Squirts ($975 per team); Pee Wee ($1,050 per team); Bantams & Midgets ($1,100 per team)

(click here to make Thanksgiving Tournament
Hotel Reservations)

For more information, please contact Bernie Woodrow at 724.335.9005 or e-mail (bawoodrow@aol.com).

- Click here to download Thanksgiving Classic Tournament registration form -

A copy of the August practice ice schedule is attached below.

If a team has a conflict and needs to exchange ice, please contact any of the other teams coaches or managers (provided to each team) and see if they will exchange times with you.

Any ice that is not used and left empty will be charged against the assigned team's allotment of ice for the following month (September). This policy will remain in effect for the entire season.

- click here for August practice ice -

Below is a synopsis of rule changes approved by USA Hockey and the June annual congress meeting of the USA Hockey Board of Directors.

This is only a very brief overview of the major rule changes for the 2011-2013 Playing Rules. In all, 30 new rules ahvae been added. For a more comprehensive list, please go to (www.usahockey.com).

- click here to download "major changes to playing rules" -

The Pittsburgh Vipers 18U AA team has remaining roster spots available.

Players interested in a supplemental tryout or for more information, please call Bernie at 724-335-9005 or coach Shad at 724-681-8118 or e-mail (bawoodrow@aol.com).

To order Pittsburgh Viper and Pittsburgh Viper Stars jerseys. please download the appropriate order form and mail along with payment to:

Keep Me in Stitches
115 N. Grant Street
Kittanning, PA 16201
724.548.1445

Pittsburgh Viper Stars Jerseys
Midget 18U AAA, Midget 16U AAA and Miget 15U AAA)

(click here to download Viper Stars jersey order form)

Pittsburgh Viper Jerseys
Mite - Midget ... AA, A & B

(click here to download Viper Jersey order form)

2011-2012
Pittsburgh Viper Tier II (AA, A & B)

Mites
No Tryouts – ADM Model
(note: players born in 2003 may opt to play squirt if they have played at least one year on a team playing in the PAHL. Player will be required to submit a "playing up" waiver, which is available on the PAHL website.)

(click here for mite player registration form)

Squirts, Pee Wees, Bantams, Midgets & Girls
Tryouts – completed
(To register for a supplemental tryout, please download, complete and forward player registration form. Please mail completed registration information to:

Pittsburgh Viper Hockey
c/o Carole Woodrow
547 Chester Drive
Lower Burrell, PA 15068)

(click here for player registration form)

For more information please click on the tryouts page at the top of the page, call the Viper hotline at 724.335.9005 or e-mail (bawoodrow@aol.com).

Players interested in registering for tryouts for the Pittsburgh Vipers Girls teams (U14 & U19) for the 2011-12 season, should download and forwarded a completed registration form to:

Pittsburgh Viper Stars
c/o Carole Woodrow
547 Chester Drive
Lower Burrell, PA 15068

Goalies are welcome and recieve an organizational discount.

For more information, please call coach Dan Ruzak at 724.333.0808 or e-mail: (danrusak@hotmail.com), or call the Viper hotline at 724.335.9005.

(click here for player registration form)

Pittsburgh Viper Hockey runs two hockey developmental programs:

American Developmental Model Mite Program

Players aged 8 and younger will be enrolled in our American Developmental Model Mite Program, a cross-ice program.

There will be two evaluation sessions (Saturday, Aug. 6 and 13 at 10:00 a.m.). Registration will occur prior to the on-ice evaluation sessions.

Although they do not have to be good skaters, players must be able to skate to participate. Additional information on the Mite progam can be found on the developmental page.

In-House Program

For players aged 9 - 14, Pittsburgh Viper hockey offers an In-House Program. Although they do not have to be good skaters, players must be able to skate to participate. This program is for the new or inexperienced players. Additional information describing this program can be found on the developmental page. More updated information about dates and fees will be available in August.

Registration will begin in September for the 2011-2012 program. The on-ice program will begin in October.

For more information, please go to the developmental page and/or contact Dave Burkett at 412-295-6984 or (daveburkett8484@gmail.com).

(click here to download a registration form)

The Pittsburgh Vipers now accept credit card payments for monthly registration dues and other organization associated costs.

If you would like to set-up a monthly credit card payment plan or make an individual monthly registration payment, please download and complete the attached form and forward as rquested on the form.

For more information, please call the Viper Hotline at 724.335.9005 or e-mail: (bawoodrow@aol.com).

(click here to download a Pittsburgh Viper
Credit Card Payment Use Form)

Aug. 24, 2011, 7:00 p.m.: Pittsburgh Viper Board Meeting (Pittsburgh Viper office)

Please note: All General board meetings for the Pittsburgh Vipers (North Hills Amateur Hockey Organization) are open to all organization members. Meetings are held on a monthly basis in the Pittsburgh Viper Room at the Valley Sports Complex.

Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2011: Midget AAA Shootout Tournament

Nov. 25 - 27, 2011: Thanksgiving Classic Tournament

Feb. 4 - 6, 2012: Midget AAA Steel City Cup Tournament

Attention coaches and team managers:

If you are seeking reimbursement for costs associated with the running of or day-to-day operation of your team, you will need to complete a Pittsburgh Viper Reimbursement Form and submit for reimbursement.

If you have questions about what is and what isn't reimburseable or for more information, please call the Viper Hotline at 724.335.9005 or e-mail: (bawoodrow@aol.com).

(click here to download a Pittsburgh Viper
Reimbursement Form)

(click here to view Viper photo gallery photos)

The Pittsburgh Vipers are actively seeking applicants
for Coaching positions for the 2011 - 2012 season.

Interested Applicants with USA Hockey Certifications
please click below and forward your name,
contact and level of interest.

(click here to e-mail interest)

---

Interested Applicants without USA Hockey Certifications
[reimbursement for USA Hockey Fees is available],
please click below and forward your name,
phone number or e-mail address and level of interest.

(click here to e-mail interest)

Planning on doing a fundraiser to help your team raise some money towards costs?

Remember, all fund raising activities associated with Pittsburgh Viper and Pittsburgh Viper Stars hockey must first be approved by the board.

Please download a fund raising form, complete and return to Jodie at (buzznk@comcast.net) for consideration.

(click here to download a Pittsburgh Viper
Fund Raiser Form)

Please feel free to visit the attached links.

If you know of a link not listed, please e-mail to (dwk@thekmagroup.com).

 

(click here to view links)