Developmental Hockey Program
North Hills Hockey Club offers a structured developmental pathway for young athletes entering the sport. Our developmental teams provide age‑appropriate instruction, competitive opportunities, and a strong foundation in skating, teamwork, and hockey fundamentals.
14U Development Program
Our 14U team competes in the Alpha Scholastic League, providing players with a structured schedule, league competition, and a bridge between developmental hockey and interscholastic play. The program focuses on advancing skating ability, positional awareness, and game strategy while preparing athletes for future PIHL competition.
10U Development Program
The 10U team competes independently, allowing for flexible scheduling and development‑focused competition. Players receive instruction tailored to their age and skill level, emphasizing skating fundamentals, puck control, teamwork, and confidence on the ice.
8U Development Program
Our 8U program introduces young athletes to the sport through small‑area games, station‑based practices, and fun, competitive experiences. The focus is on skating, balance, coordination, and developing a love for hockey in a positive, encouraging environment. The team competes independently with local programs to ensure age‑appropriate development.
Development Philosophy
North Hills Hockey Club is committed to building strong foundational skills, fostering teamwork, and creating a positive environment where young athletes can grow. Our developmental programs prepare players for future interscholastic competition while ensuring they enjoy the game and develop confidence both on and off the ice.
Coaches
14U Alpha Coach — Dave Reinhart
Dave Reinhart is a North Hills alumnus, graduating in 2002, and a former player with the North Hills Hockey Club. After high school, he continued his playing career in the ACHA, competing at both CCAC and Robert Morris University.
Dave has been part of the North Hills Hockey Club coaching staff for the past four seasons. In addition to his work within the program, he has spent the last three years coaching with the Arctic Foxes organization, leading teams at the AA and A Major levels.
His coaching philosophy centers on developing student‑athletes who are prepared to contribute at the next levels within the organization and in the broader community. Dave is committed to fostering growth, accountability, and a strong work ethic, helping players build the skills and character needed to succeed both on and off the ice.
10U Developmental Coach — Nick Zahratka
Nick Zahratka is a USA Hockey Level 3 certified coach with experience developing players from the Mite through Squirt levels. He is currently in his third season coaching the 10U Elementary group, having worked with many of the players since their earliest years at the Mite level. In addition to his work at North Hills, Coach Zahratka serves as an assistant coach and team manager for the PHA Icemen AA 2016 birth-year team.
Coach Zahratka’s philosophy at the Squirt level centers on three priorities: having fun, competing, and working hard. He strives to create an environment where players enjoy coming to the rink, learn to challenge themselves, and continue developing both as hockey players and teammates.
As players prepare for the transition to 12U hockey, Coach Zahratka emphasizes building the skills, habits, and confidence needed for the next level while ensuring that players continue to enjoy the game. His goal is to help develop better players and teammates while fostering a lifelong passion for hockey.
8U Little Indians Coach — Mark Cooper
Mark Cooper brings more than a decade of coaching experience at the youth, amateur, and varsity levels to the North Hills Hockey Club. From 1999–2006, he served as the Head Coach of Peters Township Varsity Hockey, compiling an impressive 110‑16‑6 record while leading the program to three PIHL State Championships and four Penguin Cup Championships. During his tenure, Cooper helped grow the program from 15 players to more than 40, with numerous former players continuing their hockey careers at the collegiate and junior levels.
Cooper has extensive experience developing young players, having coached Pee‑Wee, Bantam, Midget, and U16 teams within the South Hills and Southpointe Amateur Hockey Associations. His teams earned multiple PAHL and tournament championships and advanced to Silver Stick regional and North American competition. Across his coaching career, 32 of his former players have gone on to play collegiate or junior hockey.
At North Hills, Cooper brings his experience and passion for player development to the 8U Little Indians, focusing on helping young athletes build strong fundamentals, confidence, teamwork, and a genuine love for the game.