Teams from 150 high schools competed as varsity ice hockey teams in Western and Eastern Pennsylvania. Unlike many other high school sport in Pennsylvania, hockey is not run under Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association umbrella. However, Pennsylvania's high school ice hockey is sanctioned by USA Hockey and varsity-level programs are marginally overseen by the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers organizations through the Penguins Cup and the Flyers Cup.
Varsity teams are divided into four divisions, AAA, AA, A, and Open. Western divisional champions earn a bid to the Penguins Cup playoff tournament. Eastern divisional teams earn a bid by invitation to the Flyers Cup playoff tournament. All teams are eligible except non-pure and second varsity teams.
The Pennsylvania State High School Ice Hockey Championship is awarded through a state tournament. The tournament pits the champions from the Penguins Cup and Flyers Cup with the winners receiving the AAA, AA, or A Pennsylvania Cup. The location changes every year rotating between Western and Eastern cities. Attempts to mirror the PIAA state championships by hosting the games in Hershey, PA lasted a single season, with only the 2005 series being held at the historic Hersheypark Arena. Starting in 2014 the state championship is now being playing at Pegula Ice Arena in State College.
== Alumni == Chad Kolarik, Colby Cohen, Brian O'Neill, Ray Dilauro Cam Smith Mike Richter, Ryan Malone, R.J. Umberger, Mike Weber, Nick Foligno, Eric Tangradi, Nate Guenin, Brandon Saad, Dylan Reese, Shane Ferguson, Matt Bartkowski, John Zeiler, Christian Hanson, William Thomas, Grant Lewis, J.B. Bittner, Tony Voce, Zach Elmer, Kris Mayotte, Mike Betz, Ray Staszak, Ryan Smart, Tyler Hostetter, Tyler Kolarik, Brendan McCartin, Tyler Murovich, Chris Clackson, Matt Clackson, Bill Downey, Rob Madore, Ryan Mulhern, Brady Kramer, Andy Cesarski and Ryan Gunderson are among the professional players that have participated in Pennsylvania high school hockey. Please note that several players above played professionally but not necessarily the National Hockey League