Armstrong Arrows
Arrows National Bound Program
The Armstrong Arrows National Bound Program is an elite Tier II Hockey Program with the intent of their teams competing for the USA Hockey Tier II National Championships each year. This is the Armstrong Arrows National Bound Program’s 8th year of existence. The 16U National Bound Team qualified for the USA Hockey Tier II National Championships in 2016, 2017 & 2018. The 18U National Bound Team qualified for the 2019 and most recently 2022 USA Hockey Tier II National Championships. In just the first season, the newly formed 16U National Bound Team made it to the USA Hockey Tier II National Championship Game!
The goal of each National Bound Team is to win the USA Hockey Tier II National Championship.
USA Hockey 2024 Tier II National Championship Locations:
16U – Dallas, TX
18U - Delmont, PA
12U National Bound Prep Team is new for the 2023-2024 season.
The goal is to develop and prepare 12U players to compete at the National Level.
- Note: USA Hockey does not have National Championship at 12U.
You must click on and read the AAHL Tryout & Travel Hockey Guide 2023-2024 before registering.
Ages
12U Prep: 2011 to 2012 Birth Years
14U NB: 2009 to 2010 Birth Years
16U NB: 2007 to 2008 Birth Years
18U NB: 2005 to 2006 Birth Years
When
Tryouts will be in April with team workouts starting in the summer at the coaching staff's discretion.
Where
The Armstrong Arrows National Bound Program is based and operated from The Belmont Complex located at 415 Butler Rd. Kittanning, PA 16201.
Practices
Ice practices will begin in July at Alpha Ice Arena (1 practice per week until August). Regular season ice practices will be at the Belmont Complex starting in August. National Bound Teams will have 2 ice practices per week (set weekday practice schedule after season begins). National Bound Teams are High School Friendly. Players are permitted to miss practice for High School Games. Players are expected to attend the National Bound practices if there are any other conflicts in schedule such as practice.
Games
16U &18U National Bound Teams:
- 45-50 Total Games
- PAHL
- Tournaments - 2 Home / 3 Away
- 8-10 Independent Games
- Mid Am & USA Hockey National Championships (Must Qualify)
14U National Bound Team - Canceled
- 45-50 Total Games
- PAHL
- Tournaments 2 Home / 2 Away
- 8-10 Independent Games
- Mid Am & USA Hockey National Championships (Must Qualify)
12U National Bound Prep Team - Canceled
- 40-50 Total Games
- PAHL
- Tournaments - 2 Home / 2 Away
- 5-10 Independent Games
National Bound Coordinator will select Tournaments/Showcases and Independent Games for each National Bound Team.
UNIFORMS
Armstrong Arrows 14U/16U/18U National Bound Teams are required to wear navy blue helmets and navy blue gloves. Player uniforms also consist of home / away jerseys, socks, and shell. Each player will be required and responsible for the purchase and care of their Arrows uniform. Costs associated with their uniform are not included in the season fee.
National Bound Players will receive a team issued hockey equipment bag and practice jersey at no additional cost.
Additional Costs
All payments will be made online through the online registration via a scheduled payment schedule. A pay in full option will be available as well as a payment plan option. Each National Bound Player is required to sell $500.00 in raffle tickets.
Please see the AAHL Tryout & Travel Hockey Guide 2023-2024 for program fees..
2023 - 2024 Season
** Please download and read the "AAHL Tryout and Travel Hockey Guide 2023 - 2024" found on the home page.
If registering before April 1, 2023, your USA Hockey Confirmation Number will not be required to complete the online registration. Your 2023-2024 USA Hockey Confirmation Number will be required before tryouts. Either bring a paper copy to tryouts to turn in at sign in, or alternately, the option to upload it to your AAHL registration will be available.
If registering after April 1, 2023, your USA Hockey Confirmation Number for the 2023 - 2024 season will be required to complete the online registration.
Please register now for the upcoming season!
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Coaching Staff:
National Bound Coordinator - Lee Grafton will directly oversee all NB Teams and assist with coaching.
16U/18U Head Coach - Lee Grafton
18U Co-Head Coach - Tanner Gilliland
18U Coach - Valentino Hernandez
18U Coach - Nick Long
16U Coach - Jacob Snyder
16U Coach - Tyler Snyder
Refer to the "Resources" tab then go to "For Parents" and select "National Bound Coaching Staff" for National Bound Head Coaches Bios.
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AAHL reserves the right to hold supplemental tryouts to fill any & all open roster positions post open tryouts.
AAHL will adhere to all policies of USA Hockey and Mid Am in regards to tryout dates.
Tier II / PAHL Team Placement:
AAHL will make a placement recommendation, but the PAHL determines the final placement of ALL teams in the league. AAHL cannot guarantee the level of play for any team playing in PAHL.