PAHL Travel Hockey
The Lawrence County Lightning compete in the Pittsburgh Area Hockey League (PAHL), one of the largest and most competitive youth hockey leagues in Western Pennsylvania. PAHL brings together organizations from across the greater Pittsburgh region and beyond, offering players the chance to compete against a wide variety of teams while developing their skills in a structured, competitive environment.
Travel hockey in the PAHL provides athletes with regular league games, playoff opportunities, and the chance to measure themselves against top talent in the area. Teams travel throughout the Pittsburgh region—and occasionally further—for games, giving players valuable experience on and off the ice.
For Lightning players and families, PAHL play not only builds hockey skills, but also fosters teamwork, sportsmanship, and a strong sense of community across the league.
Ages
This program is designated for players 9-18 years of age
When
The season runs mid August thru March
Where
Teams play out of Hess Ice Rink in New Castle, PA
Practices
Teams practice 2 times per week. 90 minutes of shared ice and 30 minutes of full ice.
Games
Teams will play 20-30 games over the course of the season and will usually fall on the weekends.
Jerseys
Club jerseys are required and may be purchased at Gold Mind Sports
Extra Costs
Expect team managers to collect funds to cover tournament entry fees.
2025-26
Welcome to Travel Hockey 2025-26
2026-27
The Lawrence County Amateur Hockey Association (LCAHA) has been a cornerstone of youth hockey in the region since 1993. Competing as the Lawrence County Lightning, our travel program is designed for players who are ready to take their game to the next level through structured competition, professional-grade development, and a focus on sportsmanship.
Our League: PAHL
The Lightning proudly compete in the Pittsburgh Area Hockey League (PAHL), one of the largest and most competitive youth hockey leagues in Western Pennsylvania. Being part of PAHL allows our athletes to:
Compete Regionally: Play against a wide variety of organizations across the greater Pittsburgh region and beyond.
Earn Post-Season Success: Compete for PAHL Championships (an honor the Lightning have secured 27 times).
Develop in a Structured Environment: Experience a season that includes regular league games, professional evaluations, and playoff opportunities.
Age Classifications (2026-27 Season)
We field teams across all major USA Hockey age brackets:
10U (Squirt) - 2016-2017 Birth Years
12U (Peewee) - 2014-2015 Birth Years
14U (Bantam) - 2012-2013 Birth Years
16U (Midget) - 2010-2011 Birth Years
18U (Midget) - 2008-2011 Birth Years
What to Expect
The Season: Typically runs from mid-August through March.
Practices: Teams generally practice two times per week at Hess Ice Rink. Practices consist of 90 minutes of shared ice and 30 minutes of full ice to maximize player development.
Games: Players can expect a schedule of 30 - 40 games per season, primarily played on weekends.
Development First: Our mission is to foster teamwork and a lifelong love for the game. We take pride in our history of developing players for the next level, with over 60+ former players moving on to College and Junior hockey.
Home Ice
All home games and practices are held at Hess Ice Rink in Neshannock Township, PA. We serve athletes from Lawrence, Beaver, Butler, and Mercer Counties, as well as Eastern Ohio.
Requirements
Registration: All players must be registered with USA Hockey for the current season.
Equipment: Full USA Hockey-approved equipment is required for all sessions.
Commitment: Travel hockey requires a commitment to both home and away games throughout the Pittsburgh region.
RegisterOops!
You have unsaved elements
Please save or cancel the pending changes to the elements within your page and then try saving again.