Jr. Nailers Travel Hockey
Compete
develop
excel
Our travel hockey program provides dedicated players with high-quality coaching, competitive league play, tournaments, and an environment focused on skill development, teamwork, and character. Designed for athletes who are ready to compete at a higher level, the Jr. Nailers Travel Hockey program challenges players to grow both on and off the ice while representing WAHA throughout the region.
Is Travel Hockey Right for Your Family?
The Wheeling Jr. Nailers Travel Hockey Program is designed for players 8U through 18U who are ready to take the next step in their hockey development. It combines competitive league play, experienced coaching, structured practices, and tournament competition in an environment focused on skill development, teamwork, and character. While the commitment is greater than recreational hockey, so are the opportunities for growth, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
Travel Hockey may be a great fit if...
✔️ Competitive Hockey - Ready for league play and stronger competition.
✔️ Season Commitment - Two weekly practices, PAHL league schedule, and two tournaments.
✔️ Travel Required - Families should be prepared for travel throughout western Pennsylvania and the surrounding region.
✔️ Growth Mindset - Players who love to learn, work hard, and improve every week.
✔️ Family Commitment - Attendance, communication, and teamwork are essential.
✔️ Ages 8U–18U - Players should have completed at least one season of Little Penguins, TimBits, or In House Hockey.
What's included with your season
● Your Travel Hockey registration includes everything your player needs to compete, develop, and enjoy a successful season.
● Weekly Practices - Consistent ice time focused on skill development, team systems, and game preparation.
● PAHL League Play - Compete against teams throughout western Pennsylvania in the Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League (PAHL).
● 10U-18U Tournaments - Each team participates in two competitive tournaments during the season, with tournament entry fees included in your registration.
● Certified Coaching - USA Hockey-certified coaches dedicated to developing players both on and off the ice
● Player Development - Age-appropriate practices designed to improve skating, puck skills, hockey IQ, teamwork, and confidence.
● Team Experience - Build lasting friendships while learning sportsmanship, leadership, accountability, and the value of being part of a team.
Tryouts and team placement
Each Spring, WAHA holds tryouts for players interested in joining the Jr. Nailers Travel Program.
Tryouts help coaches evaluate players and place them on teams where they can develop, compete and succeed.
What to expect at tryouts
✔️ Players are evaluated on skating, hockey skills, effort, game awareness, and overall readiness for competitive play.
✔️ Coaches consider the whole player, including development, attitude, teamwork, and commitment.
✔️ Team placement is based on tryout results, roster needs, age division, and coaching evaluation.
UNABLE TO ATTEND?
• Players who cannot attend the scheduled tryout should still complete tryout registration and then contact WAHA immediately at WheelingHockey@gmail.com.
• WAHA will work with the family and coaching staff to determine the appropriate next steps for evaluation and possible team placement.
TEAM PLACEMENT
• Teams are formed based on tryout performance, age group, player numbers, roster needs, and coaching evaluation.
• Our goal is to place players in an environment where they will be challenged, supported, and given the best opportunity to continue developing.
• Previous placement on a Jr. Nailers team does not guarantee placement for the following season. Teams are evaluated and formed each year.
NEW TO THE JR. NAILERS?
• New players are always welcome.
• Players do not need to have previously played for WAHA to try out. Players coming from another organization should have completed at least one season of Little Penguins, TimBits, In-House Hockey, or a comparable youth hockey program.
Questions?
Have questions about Travel Hockey, tryouts, or team placement? Contact us today — we’re happy to help.