General FAQ's
SHAHA is one of the premier Tier I and Tier II travel hockey programs in Western Pennsylvania. We field competitive teams from 10U (Squirt) to 18U (Midget), including AAA, AA, A, and B level teams, as well as dedicated girls' teams at multiple levels. For 8U (Mite), emphasis is placed on fun and skill development for lifelong love of the game.
A: SHAHA's home rink is the Spencer Family YMCA, where our teams practice and play home games.
A: SHAHA is open to all players regardless of where they live. Unlike school-based teams or community leagues, players from all areas are welcome to try out and compete.
A: SHAHA fields teams at multiple levels:
- Tier I: AAA teams compete at the highest level nationally.
- Tier II/House: AA, A, and B teams compete in the Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League (PAHL) and tournaments tailored to their playing level.
- Mites (8U) Red, White and Blue teams: compete in PAHL Jamborees and other tournaments based on experience and skill level. These events are held on a condensed half/cross ice surface appropriate for the age group.
A: SHAHA holds annual tryouts and evaluations to determine team placements. At 10U and older, players must attend Spring tryouts to be considered for a team. At the 8U level, all players who sign up are guaranteed a spot until the program has reached capacity; placement into the Red/White/Blue skill levels is completed in the Fall.
A: Absolutely! SHAHA encourages young athletes to participate in multiple sports to develop their skills. However, SHAHA teams are competitive, and roster spots are limited. We ask that you prioritize attendance for practices and games to ensure fairness to all players, and communicate with your coaches in the event of conflicts.
A: SHAHA is a member of PAHL, competing against other Tier II/House organizations throughout Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, West Virginia, and beyond. Many teams also participate in tournaments and showcases outside of regular league play. Tier I AAA teams compete against top US and Canadian teams at locations throughout the country.
A: SHAHA provides a variety of structured practices, including:
- Full-ice and half-ice team practices tailored based on age and skill level
- Skills-based training focusing on skating, puck handling, and shooting
- Dedicated goalie training sessions
- High-level coaching and development to prepare players for competitive hockey
A: The season typically runs from August through March:
- 10U and older tryouts take place in the Spring
- Pre-season practices start in August
- Regular season games/jamborees run from October through February
- PAHL playoffs occur in March for 10U and older
A: 8U generally participates in 10 jamborees. Tier II/house SHAHA teams typically play 20 regular season PAHL games, along with:
- Pre-season placement games to determine team divisions
- Scrimmages and non-league matchups
- Tournaments and showcases, determined by each team’s coaching staff
A: Yes! SHAHA fields both co-ed and all-girls teams at multiple levels.
A: Yes, dual rostering is allowed. SHAHA's girls' teams, especially at the older age groups, are highly competitive and may travel for district and national-level tournaments. Players on these teams are expected to fully commit to their schedule.
A: Yes! SHAHA provides fundraising options to help offset costs, including team and organization-wide fundraisers throughout the season.
Tryout FAQ's
A: Nope! If your child tries out for AAA, AA, or a Birth Year (BY) team and doesn’t make it, they will be automatically enrolled in the next level tryout—no need to register twice.
🚨 Important Note: Birth Year (BY) teams are for the top experienced players of that birth year. They are not general registration for all players born that year. BY tryouts have an additional cost, so please ensure you register for the correct skill level.
A: Mite registration covers the full season, with placements occurring in late August. Once your player secures one of the available spots, they are guaranteed a placement on a team.
- Red Level: The only formal tryout for Mites selects the most skilled players at the 8U level which generally compete in a half-ice format.
- Other Mite Levels: Players are grouped based on experience and skill evaluations.
A: All players looking to join a 10U-18U or Girls SHAHA team must attend tryouts.
🚨 Reminder: Tryout registration is only for tryouts. If your player makes a team, you will complete full-season registration (minus the commitment fee you already paid).
A: We try not to clog your inbox with unnecessary email. Check the tryout schedule at SHAHA.org and mark your calendar. Set a phone alert, write it on your fridge, or ask your kid—they never forget when it's hockey time.
A: Nope! Tryouts for 10U and above are closed to spectators. LiveBarn will also be inactive.
So grab a coffee, relax in your car, and let the evaluators do their job! Experience has proven that players perform their best in this setting.
A: Yes! Goalies must attend:
✔ Goalie-specific tryout sessions
✔ All tryout sessions for their registered age/level
Goaltending is a specialized position, and these additional sessions ensure fair and thorough evaluations.
A: Players should bring:
✅ Full hockey gear, including a helmet with a cage
✅ Both a DARK and LIGHT practice jersey
✅ Their assigned bib number (issued at the first tryout)
A: Each player receives one assigned bib number to wear throughout the entire tryout process.
🚨 DO NOT THROW IT AWAY! Evaluators use it for tracking, and it will also be needed to accept a position on a team. Losing it = extra hassle, and no one wants that!
A: They will be automatically moved to the next level tryout (AA, A/B).
🚨 Please only sign up for the highest-level tryout if your player has the experience and ability to compete at that level. Based on evaluations, players may be reassigned to the next level before completing all sessions.
A: Participants are not guaranteed all sessions, and some players may be deferred to the next level based on evaluations.
A: SHAHA teams are selected based on:
🏒 Skating ability and hockey skills
🏒 Game play awareness and competitiveness
🏒 Positional needs (because not everyone can be a center)
🏒 Coach and evaluator assessments
SHAHA places players at AAA, AA, A, or B levels based on where they will develop and contribute the most.
A: SHAHA makes every effort to place our young athletes looking to participate in our great game. However, our teams are competitive and roster spots are limited. While we do our best to place as many players as possible, not all players are guaranteed a team. 8U players are guaranteed until the program is filled.
A: Once teams are finalized, rosters are generally set for the season. However, players who work hard and improve may have opportunities to move up in future seasons.
A: Players who miss tryouts without prior approval may not be placed on a team. If a situation such as illness or injury prevents attendance, contact our tryout coordinator in advance to discuss options. tryouts@shaha.org
A: The typical SHAHA hockey season unfolds as follows:
- Pre-Season Activities: Summer team-building and off-ice training organized by the individual teams
- On-Ice Practices: Start in August
- Pre-Season and Placement Games: September
- Regular Season: October - February
- 10U and older Playoffs: March
This timeline ensures a well-rounded season of development, competition, and team bonding.
A: Fees vary by age and level but generally range from $1,000 - $3,500 per player. This includes team practices and league games.
💰 Additional costs include:
- Uniforms and any other SHAHA apparel
- Team Funds to cover scrimmages, tournaments, team events and other expenses
- Travel and lodging for any out-of-town games/tournaments
- Equipment costs (as needed)
Details on fees, discounts, and payment plans will be provided during registration.
A: Yes! SHAHA offers various fundraising options to help families manage expenses. These fundraisers are optional but encouraged. Details will be communicated via SHAHA.org and team managers.
A: All coaches are evaluated based on:
✔ Hockey experience
✔ Coaching philosophy
✔ Commitment to player development
SHAHA prioritizes experienced, positive leaders to create the best environment for players.
A: If your player is selected for a team, you must:
1. Accept their roster spot within the 24-hour deadline once notified via email. Offers are typically made within 2 days of the final tryout.
2. Complete the online registration and payment arrangements.
🚨 You MUST have your 2025-26 USA Hockey Registration before accepting a roster spot.
A: Tryout schedules are subject to change. Always check SHAHA.org for the latest updates.
For additional questions, contact communications@shaha.org.
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