The Altoona Area Youth Ice Hockey Association was founded in 2000 and has skated out of the Galactic Ice Rink in Altoona since its inception.

The Trackers nickname is in tribute to the Pennsylvania Railroad, the construction of which contributed to the origin and growth of the community that became the city of Altoona.  Altoona is located near the famous Horseshoe Curve, which was completed in the mid-1800s to provide a westward passage of the Pennsylvania Railroad and is still in use today.

Hollidaysburg native Sam Lafferty began his hockey career at age 6 with the Altoona Trackers, getting the inspiration to do so when Mario Lemieux came out of retirement in 2000.  Lafferty ultimately advanced to the NHL, making his debut in 2019 with none other than the Pittsburgh Penguins.