Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association

The Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association (PVAHA) is the governing body of all amateur hockey within D.C., Maryland and Virginia, and is one of four Affiliates that make up the Southeastern District of USA Hockey. The goal of PVAHA is to encourage, foster and promote the development and growth of the sport of ice hockey within D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. PVAHA is committed to the Core Values of USA Hockey:

• Sportsmanship
• Respect for the Individual
• Integrity
• Pursuit of Excellence at the Individual, Team and Organizational Levels
• Enjoyment
• Loyalty, and
• Teamwork

PVAHA is committed to fostering a welcoming environment through a diverse, equitable and inclusive game. We believe that all hockey programs in our Affiliate should provide a safe, positive and inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion and mental or physical disability. We believe that all our players, coaches and volunteers in our hockey community deserve respect.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         December 8th, 2024

The PVAHA is aware of an incident at a recent game involving a non-participant parent and indecent exposure. The involved local association has worked quickly and banned the individual from attending today’s game and has moved foward with formal long term sanctions. 

The PVAHA has worked with the involved local association to ensure the appropriate actions were taken against the non-participant individual. The PVAHA is also working to ensure that the involved team, including parents, is counseled on the expectations for proper spectator and coaches behavior. 

The PVAHA is also aware that the incident has been distributed via social media and want to reiterate that it does not sanction the spectator’s behavior in any way. This does not reflect the standards that we have as an affiliate or a sport. Incidents such as this will be dealt with strongly, quickly, and harshly, within the rules and regulations of USA Hockey and the PVAHA. 

Starting August 1 2024, players competing in youth, girls, high school or junior hockey within USA Hockey are required to wear neck laceration protectors (NLPs) for all games and practices. In addition, on-ice officials under the age of 18 as well as players in all six disciplines within USA Hockey’s disabled hockey program are also required to wear NLPs.

While players in the adult age classification are excluded from the requirement, USA Hockey continues to recommend neck laceration protectors for those playing adult hockey and remains steadfast in encouraging the use of cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments for all players and on-ice officials.

“The focus and commitment to safety is evident each and every day at USA Hockey and this new requirement is a positive step forward in helping ensure the safest possible environment in our sport,” said Kevin Margarucci, manager of player safety for USA Hockey.

PVAHA will have available 11x17 posters for interested member clubs and rinks to use as visual reminders. Some rinks are planning on mounting these to the inside of locker room doors. Others may want to place them on the glass at the rink doors.

They will be available at no charge for reasonable orders as sticky-backed vinyl as well as 3mm PVC. Please click the link below to let us know what you need.

PVAHA Posters Please specify which version and substrate.

All Rosters:

• Coaches and Managers require SafeSport and a aackground screen prior to roster approval.
• Coaches must have successfully completed the correct Age Appropriate Module prior to being approved and added to the roster. They have until December 31 to complete a coaching clinic if required.

All Tier I, Tier II, Travel and Invitational Tournament Rosters:

• Date of birth and citizenship must be verified prior to approval.
• A Manager must be identified on the roster. In the absence of a designated Manager, a Coach may be designated as a Coach/Manager.
• Non-U.S. Citizens require a Transfer before they can be added to any roster.

Questions may be directed to Paul Duquette or Beth Lenz. See contact info on the "Registration" tab on the left sidebar.