Many thanks to our sponsors. Click on a sponsor below to find out about special discounts for AAHA members.

History of The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA)

1970s
In May, 1972, twenty representatives from youth hockey clubs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania met in Princeton, New Jersey to assess the feasibility of establishing a district under the banner of the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States, (AHAUS). Following the meeting, Dr. Earl Hoerner and Lester Dodson attended the AHAUS Annual Meeting in Chicago. AHAUS officially chartered the Mid-Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association as District IV in June, 1972. The District later became known as the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA).

Dr. Hoerner became the first President and first AHAUS Director from District IV. He served form 1972 until 1977. He also became the first Chairman of the AHAUS Safety and Protective for the year.

Ernie Anastasia became the second President in 1977 and also served as an AHAUS Director for that year.

In 1978, Ken Gesner became the third President of the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association and he was also elected the AHAUS Director from District IV. A new era began for the District. Leagues became stronger and larger with direct representation of the District Board of Directors to broaden the scope of the Board. District tournaments were expanded to include “B” and “C” levels, as well as House Leagues. Winners and runnersup received the same recognition as teams in Open or Tier I tournaments.

Les Dodson became the first AHAUS Registrar for the District in 1972. Jim Measday moved from Secretary/Treasurer of the District to the position of AHAUS Registrar.

1980s
In 1980, Andy Abramson became the third Registrar for the District. The District, which had grown in every year since its inception, expended from approximately 300 to 800 teams during Andy’s seven years as AHAUS Registrar. He helped to create and became the main thrust of the District's first service bureau, Hockey Central.

In 1988, Joan Schofield became the fourth AHAUS Registrar and the first female AHAUS appointee in the nation. In 1988 Joan helped the create and became the first Executive Director of the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Service Bureau. The Bureau replaced Hockey Central with respect to support activities for the AHAUS appointees, the District Secretary, and District Guide Editor. The Service Bureau also provides on an as-needed basis, services for our leagues and teams.

In 1982, the AAHA became the first AHAUS District to provide mandatory Blanket Liability coverage, including all member teams and leagues, as well as the affiliate. Three years later AHAUS adopted their National Blanket Liability Program.

With the establishment of Hockey Central in 1978, the AAHA became the first AHAUS District or Affiliate with a Service Bureau to provide support for its teams, leagues, AHAUS appointees, and District officials. When Hockey Central turned its focus away from the AHAUS and its support activities, the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association formed the Service Bureau. The AAHA maintains full control of and responsibility for the Service Bureau.

1990s
Ken Gesner retired in the Spring of 1990 and Jim Plunkett was elected to finish the remaining year of Ken’s term as AAHA President

The District registered over 1000 teams for the first time in its history and Jim was also elected as an AHAUS Director. Jim has serviced the Atlantic District as its Executive Vice President and has been the AHAUS Coaching Program Director for the Atlantic District.

Jim Plunkett retired June of 1995 and was replaced as President in August 1995 at the Annual Meeting by Tom Koester. Tom was the Executive Vice President and is the second USA Director from our District.

Late 1990s and Today
With Jim Plunkett’s retirement as a USA Hockey Director in 1996 at the annual meeting Larry Thomas was elected for the 1996-1999 term. As the second director from the AAHA, Larry was also elected as the Executive Vice President.

In 1997, Joan Schofield retired as Registrar and was replaced by Tony Montagna. Joan was elected as a Director Emeritus. Tom Koester was re-elected President for 1997-1999, and USA Hockey Director for the 1997-2000 term.

Another milestone was reached in 1998, the District registered over 2000 teams in that year. This entitled the AAHA to a third USA Hockey Director, Joan Mariconda, elected for the 1999-2002 term. Also, four new vice president positions were added to the executive committee, Player Development, Coaching, Refereeing, and Women’s Hockey.

Tom Koester was re-elected in 1999 as President for the 1999-2001 term. Larry Thomas was elected USA Hockey Director for the 1999-2002 term. New AAHA Appointee positions RInak Liasion, Marketing, Legal Advisor and Travel Director were added.