The SHAHA Panther Hockey Journey

 

From First Skates to Panthers Pride — Learn. Play. Grow. Compete.

Where It All Begins: Spencer Family YMCA Learn to Skate

Every hockey player’s story starts with a first glide — and that journey begins right here at the Spencer Family YMCA in Bethel Park.

The YMCA’s Learn to Skate program provides the perfect foundation for future hockey players, teaching preschool skaters (ages 3–5) how to:

  • Fall safely and get back up
  • Skate forward and backward
  • Glide, balance, and stop with control
  • Develop confidence through fun and games

Helmets and gloves are required, and sessions are offered throughout the year.

Upcoming Sessions:

  • Wednesdays @ 1 PM
  • Session 1: October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
  • Session 2: November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 10
  • Members: Free | Non-Members: $25

📍 Spencer Family YMCA — 305 Church Rd, Bethel Park, PA 15102
🌐 pittsburghymca.org/programs

This is where strong, confident skaters are made — and the perfect first step before joining the SHAHA Panther Hockey family.

Next Step: Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey

After completing Learn to Skate, players are ready for the Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey program — a collaboration between SHAHA, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and USA Hockey.

Children receive a full set of starter gear and learn the basic skills of hockey:

  • Stickhandling, passing, and shooting fundamentals
  • On-ice balance and awareness
  • Small-area games that make learning fun

It’s a player’s first taste of team hockey — and often their first unforgettable goal.

SHAHA Mites 8U (5-8 Year Olds)

After completing Learn to Play, players advance into SHAHA’s 8U and Under (Mite) program, built around USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM):

  • Cross-ice or half-ice play for more puck touches and engagement
  • Focus on skating, passing, and teamwork
  • Creative, fun drills to build confidence and love for the game
  • The thrill of putting on their first green Panthers jersey, joining their first team, and earning their first medal or trophy

These early years create the foundation for passion, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

The SHAHA Development Path

From those first strides to elite competition, SHAHA offers a complete progression:

  • 8U and Under (Mites): Fun, fundamentals, teamwork
  • 10U (Squirts): Full-ice play, positioning, skating strength
  • 12U (Peewee): Advanced puck control, team systems, and strategy
  • 14U (Bantam): Systems play, body contact (co-ed), stronger team identity
  • 16U (Midget Minor): Competitive development for high school and juniors
  • 18U (Midget Major): Showcase-level play and leadership opportunities
  • 19U Girls: SHAHA’s top girls’ division — fostering competition, skill, and camaraderie

Girls Hockey at SHAHA

SHAHA proudly supports girls’ hockey at every level — from Learn to Play through 19U.

Our mission is to ensure every girl who loves the game has a place to grow, compete, and lead.

Highlights:

  • Early Start: Girls are encouraged to begin in Learn to Play and 8U and Under alongside their peers.
  • Dedicated Teams: SHAHA offers 12U, 14U, and 19U Girls divisions, providing an empowering, team-focused environment.
  • Skill & Leadership Development: Each level emphasizes skating strength, confidence, teamwork, and game awareness.
  • Inclusive Culture: SHAHA Girls Hockey is open, encouraging, and community-driven — a place where athletes build lifelong friendships through the game they love.

Girls at SHAHA are Panthers, through and through — strong, skilled, and part of the family.

Season & Schedule

  • Teams typically play 35–55 games per season, including league games, tournaments, and showcases.
  • 10U and older: Two practices per week, plus games.
  • 8U and Under: Development-focused practices and cross-ice games designed for fun and growth.
  • Tryouts & Registration: Held annually in late March through April. Registration opens early — families are encouraged to sign up promptly.

Join the Panther Family

At SHAHA, we’re more than a hockey program — we’re a community.
Whether your player is lacing up for the first time or chasing the next level, there’s a place for them in the Panther Hockey Family.

For more information:

📧 developmental@shaha.org | communications@shaha.org

SHAHA Panthers Hockey
Building Skills, Friendships & Lifelong Memories.