The North Hills Amateur Hockey Association (Pittsburgh Vipers) offer two developmental programs to fill the needs of two diverse groups of new players.

Both programs are held at the Valley Sports Complex in New Kensington, PA, and run for 16 weeks starting the first Saturday morning in October. Specific on-ice times will be determined prior to the beginning of the season. In addition, the 16 weeks will extend over a period longer than 16 continuos weeks because of couple of tournaments held at the rink each season that use all of the ice. These dates will be determined before the beginning of the program.

Initiation Program (IP):

This program is designed for new young players, up to age 8. The program follows the USA Hockey guidelines in presenting and practicing hockey skills. Participants need to have basic skating, as this program is designed as a hockey program ... not a skating program. However, if a player has basic skating skills, practicing hockey skills will improve the skating skills.

The Initiation Program focuses on the fundamentals of hockey ... trying to develop a player's skills and confidence in a positive atmosphere. At the end of the season, there is usually an end of the year tournament in which the participants in the IP program play each other in games for the first time.

At the end of the program participants may tryout for a place on a travel team for the upcoming season or elect to participate in the Pittsburgh Viper In-House program. (Occasionally, a young player may wish to repeat the IP program.)

In-House Program:

Designed for players 6 – 14, the In-House program is for youths who already know how to skate, somewhat better than the beginning IP Players, and who are more familiar with the game. It provides basic hockey instruction through the introduction and use of hockey drills (the same as players on a travel team). The program also focuses on developing team play concepts, positioning, and on-ice awareness. Depending upon the number, and age of the participants, participants are usually divided into teams which play each other. There is no checking in the In-House program (regardless of the age of the participants).

During the second half of the program, a few games may be scheduled with other associations’ In-House teams. The scheduling of these games depends upon the number of participants, the desire of the families, and the developmental programs of nearby associations. This could result in the need to drive perhaps as far as an hour to a rink in Mt. Lebanon. We also try to play local teams such as Delmont, Fox Chapel or Plum. Teams will also come to VSC for games. This cannot be determined before the season begins as it is dependent upon the desires of our families and the existence of other associations’ programs.

At the end of the program participants may tryout for a place on a travel team for the upcoming season or elect to sign-up for a second season in the Pittsburgh Viper In-House program. "Ttravel” teams practice during the week at VSC and play an equal amount of home and away weekend games in the Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League (PAHL) against opponents from other member organizations.

The Pittsburgh Vipers are now taking applications for both the Initiation and In-house developmental programs. Both programs begin Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010.

The cost for the Initiation Program is $215 and the
cost for the In-House program is $315. (Goalies participate for free.)

For more specific information please call: Dave at 412-295-6984 or email at (daveburkett8484@gmail.com).

- To download an application please click here -