Pittsburgh, PA - We continue to receive numerous inquiries regarding upcoming scheduled tryouts and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic may have on them.

The North Hills Amateur Hockey Association (NHAHA, Pittsburgh Vipers, Viper Stars, and Esmark Stars) and our activities, including tryouts, are sanctioned by our governing body, USA Hockey (USAH).

USA Hockey strongly recommends the cancellation of all affiliate tryouts, district tryouts, district/multi-district development camps for all birth years for spring and summer 2020 activities.

“Our number one priority is the safety of our players, officials, coaches, volunteers and families involved,” said Kevin McLaughlin, assistant executive director of hockey development for USA Hockey.

“We estimate roughly 9,000 individuals or families are involved in these activities across the country and with the uncertainty of the coronavirus situation we all face and the logistics involved with these events, the leaders in our organization from across the country felt it was important to make a decision now that had best interests of everyone involved, with safety being at the forefront.”

Read the complete statement, and find other valuable information from USA Hockey here: www.usahockey.com/playersafety

As such ... at this time, all NHAHA (Pittsburgh Vipers, Viper Stars, and Esmark Stars) tryouts are postponed.

Please note, if you have already registered for this season, your registration will apply when the tryouts are rescheduled.

As we receive new or additional information or guidance from USA Hockey we will provide updates on when new dates and times for tryouts will occur for the 2020-2021 Season.

This new information will be shared on the Esmark Stars webpage (www.esmarkstars.com) and Pittsburgh Vipers webpage (www.pittsburghvipers.com) and on our Facebook pages.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all do our best to navigate this unprecedented situation.

Be well,

Heather Ruffner, NHAHA President
Dave Kosick, General Manager, Esmark Stars AAA Hockey
NHAHA Board of Directors

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Pittsburgh, PA - Because of the ongoing situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and following the direction of the CDC, the Office of the President the United States, the Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania, and USA Hockey ... ALL non-essential activities have been halted or postponed!

As such, the status of our upcoming Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Tier I tryouts, as scheduled, is on hold.

The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club and Pittsburgh Viper Hockey will continue to closely monitor all updates and changes from agencies ... federal, state and local.

All information regarding Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Tier I tryouts will be updated as available.

The health and safety of our athletes, coaches, parents and families remains priority number one.

Please continue to check our website, Facebook and Twitter pages for additional updates! 

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UPDATE:

Note from NHAHA Executive Board and President, Heather Ruffner

We have received many inquiries regarding the upcoming tryouts and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic may have on them.

The North Hills Amateur Hockey Association (which includes Esmark Stars AAA Hockey) and our activities, including tryouts, are all sanctioned by our national governing body, USA Hockey (USAH).

We are currently awaiting guidelines from USA Hockey regarding the 2020-2021 season tryouts, which are expected later this week.

As soon as this new information is released, and reviewed by the NHAHA Board’s Executive Committee and Pittsburgh Ice Arena Management, all information will be shared.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we all do our best to navigate this unprecedented situation.

Be well,

Heather Ruffner, NHAHA President
NHAHA Board of Directors