Courtesy photo Youth hockey players in the Alpena Hockey Association huddle up for instruction. The AHA had a very strong season in 2025-26.

ALPENA — As the Alpena Hockey Association (AHA) prepares to wrap up its 52nd season tomorrow with a community-wide fun skate at Northern Lights Arena, the organization reflects on a year defined by growth, competitive success, and deep community engagement.

This season, just over 250 young athletes laced up their skates under the AHA banner, including participants from the Thunder Bay Warriors.

Of those athletes, approximately 50 were girls, a number that mirrors the rapid national growth of women’s hockey as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.

The strength of female participation locally reflects a broader cultural shift and the continued commitment to inclusivity within Alpena’s hockey community.

The foundation of AHA remains its youngest skaters. More than 100 children were registered in the Learn to Skate (LTS), U6, and U8 programs. Strong enrollment in these entry-level divisions signals a healthy and sustainable future for hockey in the Alpena area, with excitement building from the earliest developmental stages.

At the competitive level, AHA’s house teams competed in the Adray League across the U10, U12, and U14 divisions, concluding playoffs last weekend. In addition to house play, both the U10 Squirts and U12 PeeWees fielded travel teams this season.

The U10 Travel team closed out its season last weekend at an outdoor tournament in Buffalo, New York — a memorable experience for young athletes that blended competition with camaraderie. Meanwhile, the U12 PeeWees continue their impressive postseason run in the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League. Fresh off a championship victory at the Skyline Tournament in Chicago and currently 4-0 in league playoffs, the team will face Jimmy John’s Friday evening at 7 p.m. in Trenton as they pursue a league championship berth.

Beyond wins and standings, AHA remains committed to access and opportunity. This season, the association awarded seven scholarships totaling $3,800, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent participation in youth hockey.

In an effort to strengthen collaboration and continuity across all levels of play, AHA also expanded its leadership structure this year by adding two voting board positions: one representing the Thunder Bay Warriors and one designated for the current Varsity Coach. Coach Ben Henry has accepted the nomination and expressed enthusiasm for building a strong, unified relationship between the board and the varsity program — a strategic move aimed at reinforcing player development pathways throughout the association.

As skaters gather one final time for tomorrow’s season-ending celebration at Northern Lights Arena, AHA extends sincere gratitude to families, volunteers, sponsors, and the broader Alpena community. Their continued support fuels the organization’s mission: to promote and encourage the development and continuation of youth hockey, build character, and foster good sportsmanship throughout the Alpena area.

Fifty-two seasons in, the tradition remains strong — and the future looks even brighter.