The Pittsburgh Hornets program continues to distinquish itself as one of the top US hockey organizations with its addition to the top ten prep list in The Hockey News magazine. The list was determined by the caliber of alumni sent to the NHL, AHL, NCAA, and major junior programs as well as tournament achievements.
The Hornets organization currently has 4 past players in the NHL (Ryan Malone, R.J. Umberger, Nate Guenin, and John Zeiler), along with 15 past players currently playing for Division I NCAA schools and 8 past players with commitments to Division I NCAA schools.
The Hornets organization continues to produce winning teams as well. Most recently the Midget Major team won the NAHL Midget Showcase Series Tournament this past February. This showcase brings hundreds of junior, college and professional scouts together under one roof, offering prime exposure at all levels for the players.
Additonally, the Hornets are the only local organization to have sent 13 teams to the USA Hockey National Tournaments in the last 8 years. All other local organizations combined, have sent 3 teams in the last 8 years.
And of special note, the Pittsburgh Hornets have been chosen to host 23 teams for the 2009 National Championship for the Midget Major (U18) USA Hockey Tier I and Tier II teams in April 2009. As host, the Hornets will have an automatic berth.
This will be another opportunity for the Pittsburgh Hornets to showcase its excellent program and highlight the caliber of players being developed by the Hornets organization.
