Get ready, Altoona—semi-professional hockey is coming to town this fall. The Altoona Inferno will ignite the ice at Galactic Ice, bringing the fast-paced action of the American Premier Hockey League (APHL) to local fans. Co-owner Kevin Diehl confirmed that the Inferno will be one of 10 franchises in the APHL, a league that prides itself as a top-tier Senior A men's hockey circuit in the country.

The APHL officially announced Altoona's addition on April 30, marking a new chapter for the area's sports scene. This semi-pro league features talented former high school and college players competing at the senior level, offering a blend of raw energy and seasoned skill. For Diehl, the idea sparked close to home.

"We had a family member playing in the APHL, but his team folded," Diehl explained. He will co-own the Inferno with his daughter, Cadence. "I wanted to give him a place to play. But it's grown into something much bigger. Altoona doesn't have a team like this, and I think the community will really rally around it."

The Inferno are wasting no time hitting the ice. Tryouts are set for June 6 and June 13, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Galactic Ice, where Diehl aims to build a competitive 20- to 25-player roster. With the APHL preseason kicking off in September, followed by a regular season running through March and playoffs to cap it off, fans can expect months of thrilling hockey action.

For hockey enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the Altoona Inferno promises to deliver a fresh dose of excitement—perfect for anyone looking to sport their team pride with fresh gear from our collection.