The NAHL launched its first season in April, 2013, but its design and development has been in the works for several years. It was created to continue improving upon the concept started by its founding fathers.  Some of the specific objectives of the NAHL include: 

• Independence. The NAHL is an independent 35 and over organization that is made up of three leagues. 

• The ability to set the minimum skill level of its participants. The NAHL-pgh will invite players who fit into the general skill level of what was considered A & B in the USL.

• Non Aggressive Play. The NAHL-pgh will adhere strictly to USA Hockey rules. The NAHL-pgh will have the ability and authority to remove players from the league at any point if it is deemed by the league committee that a player is not adhering to the stated "Standards of Play".

• Hand-picked referees. The NAHL-pgh will contract directly with referees. This is a critically important part of being able to enforce the non aggressive and standards of play policies as well as maintaining consistent officiating throughout the league.  While this is a delicate process, we strive to help all officials grow and improve to create a league that everyone strives to play in.

• Safety. This objective is #1 in priority as everyone needs to be able to go to work the next day. 

• More ice time. NAHL-pgh rosters will be limited to no more than 13 skaters. Almost everyone agrees that two lines, i.e. ten skaters is optimal and no one likes to float or have floaters go through the lines.  12-13 Skaters has been deemed as the right number so that team captains are not faced with the challenge of finding more than 1-2 subs for the majority of their teams games   

• Venue independence. The league is independent and as such, has complete freedom to buy ice time from any facility. This gives the league the opportunity to find and possibly negotiate better times and cost if other nearby rinks would like our business. We have been very happy with our tenure of play at Ice Castle in Castle Shannon and look forward to further developing our relationship with the rink.  We also look for opportunities to utilize other rinks in Pittsburgh to provide our members with enjoyable playing experiences.

More about the NAHL...

> Mission Statement

> NAHL Philosophy