About AAHL

The Armstrong Amateur Hockey League (AAHL) proudly develops youth hockey players through its Armstrong Arrows programs. Offering top tier instruction for boys and girls of all skill levels. A proud member of the Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League and USA Hockey, the AAHL provides competitive play at the Tier II (AA, A, and B) levels, as well as beginner development through the USA Hockey American Development Model (ADM).

🏒 Our Mission

Our goal is to deliver a complete hockey experience. Developing not only skating and puck handling skills, but also teamwork, discipline, and character. From first time players in our Li’l Arrows and ADM programs to elite athletes competing on our National Bound teams, the AAHL helps every player reach their full potential in a supportive, family oriented environment.

📋 Governance

The AAHL is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors, which includes a President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, and additional officers as needed. The board operates under an established set of bylaws to ensure transparency, accountability, and continued organizational growth. Contact information for board members is available on our Contacts page.

🏠 Home Rink

All AAHL and Armstrong Arrows programs are based at the Belmont Complex, our long-time home rink located in Kittanning, PA. The Belmont Complex provides a welcoming setting for training, games, and community events that bring families together around the sport we love.

🥅 Competition & Team Structure

Each season, the AAHL board determines the number and level of teams based on ice availability, player enrollment, and skill distribution across age groups. We field competitive teams at the Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget, and Girls’ levels, ensuring balanced development and exciting competition for all participants.

Players are expected to arrive prepared, stay committed, and work hard. Honoring the dedication of our volunteer coaches who invest countless hours planning practices and fostering growth.

The Armstrong Amateur Hockey League was founded in 1967 with the opening of the Belmont Complex in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. The vision of local businessman Hugo Montebell, who wanted to bring year round ice hockey to the area. Soon after the rink opened, community leaders including Reverend C.L. Fritz, Robert Copenhaver, and Jon Spangler helped organize the first Armstrong Arrows hockey teams, with Fritz serving as the league’s first president. What began with just a handful of players quickly grew, and by the 1969–70 season the Arrows officially joined the Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League, where they have competed ever since. Over the decades the Arrows have expanded their programs, fostering youth development, competitive play, and a deep sense of community involvement that continues to thrive today.