Pittsburgh Hornets Hockey Pipeline to the Pros continues as former Pittsburgh Hornet Alumni John Zeiler makes his NHL debut!

The Pittsburgh Hornets Hockey Association is proud to announce that our "pipeline to the pros" continues as former Pittsburgh Hornets Hockey Player John Zelier reached "the show" and recently made his National Hockey League Debut with the Los Angeles Kings. John was a top Pittsburgh Hornets Hockey player that saw marked and progressive improvement year after year as his game and skills developed in our program. As a result of John's hard work, he earned a D-1 Hockey Scholarship to St. Lawrence University. Afterwards, he had been playing in Manchester in the AHL and got the call up last week and was an instrumental figure in the Kings recent 4-3 (SO) victory over the Ducks.

In that game, it was noted in the media that "John Zeiler, signed by the Kings and brought up for yesterday's game, was credited with 5 hits and brought lots of energy to his line, much like he did down at Manchester. His play has reportedly impressed" Marc Crawford, Coach of the Kings.

John is a great kid and has worked very, very hard to acheive this ultimate success in the world of hockey. And as an organization we couldn't be more proud of John and his hockey accomplishments. Congratulations again John, and best wishes for a successful NHL career from all of your coaches and friends at the Pittsburgh Hornets Amateur Hockey Association.

WOW ! Pittsburgh Hornets Alumni Matt Quigley Commits to D-1 Northeastern Hockey Team

Mahoning Valley Phantoms right wing and Pittsburgh Hornets Midget Major Hockey Alumni Matt Quigley has accepted a scholarship to play college hockey at Northeastern University this fall.

“I went up there about a month ago and I absolutely fell in love with the school. I really like the coaching staff,” Quigley said.
Northeastern is a private research university located in Boston. The Huskies play out of the conference known as Hockey East.
“Matt passed on a few other opportunities so that he can go there,” Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said. “To be able to send another player to a great school and a great program, especially when it’s their number one choice, is something we’re really excited about.”

In 47 games this season, Quigley has 43 points on 19 goals and 24 assists, tying him for 20th in North American Hockey League scoring. “The new system at Northeastern is based on a lot of speed, so it’s something I think I can jump right into from day one,” Quigley said.

Currently in his second year of junior hockey with the Phantoms, Quigley has seen areas of his game blossom as he prepares for the college game. “I’m seeing the ice a little better this season and my defensive game has also improved. I want to continue to work on my hands, my positioning and my stick work and refine my game in the defensive zone,” Quigley said.With his decision now behind him, Quigley says he can now shift his complete attention towards winning a national championship.

“It really hasn’t hit me yet, but it’s a weight off my shoulders. Now I can focus on the rest of the season and our goals and not worry about which scouts are looking at me,” Quigley said.

Congratulations Matt on this great accomplishment and thanks for carrying on the great Pittsburgh Hornets Hockey Association tradition of helping young athletes realize their hockey dreams.