Penguins Foundation Takes the Lead on Youth Hockey
Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins: Building Skills and Community on the Ice
PensFIT: Bringing Hockey to Schools Since 2022, PensFIT Ball Hockey, presented by FedEx, has been sparking a love of hockey in schools across Southwestern Pennsylvania. The program provides free floor hockey equipment and curriculum to 22 public school districts, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to play. To date, PensFIT has distributed 65 equipment kits, giving an estimated 12,159 students in grades 3–5 the chance to pick up a stick, learn the game, and build teamwork skills—often for the first time. By combining physical activity with accessible programming, PensFIT helps promote fitness, teamwork, and a lifelong enthusiasm for hockey. Thanks to FedEx’s support, the program continues to grow, introducing the sport to thousands of young players each year.
Over the summer, Youth Hockey staff and programs formally moved under the umbrella and support of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, underscoring our deep commitment to growing the game and future Penguins fans in the region. Our team includes Shannon Webster, Sr. Director of Youth Hockey; AJ Balboni, Coordinator of Youth Hockey; Jaden Lindo, Manager of Community Hockey; and Rocky Saganiuk, Local Manager, Learn to Play. Together, they oversee the Foundation’s full slate of youth hockey programming, which plays a vital role in fostering the growth, accessibility, and sustainability of the sport in Pittsburgh and beyond. Flagship programs include Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey, which introduces children ages 5–9 to the fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment; Try Hockey for Free, which partners with local rinks to provide equipment and ice time at no cost; and Learn to Skate, which teaches kids ages 4–10 essential skating skills. The team also leads the Pittsburgh Pennies program, presented by the Foundation and supported by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, which expands access and opportunities for girls ages 6–14 to learn and play hockey. More on these programs and others can be found at: pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org . Through these efforts, the Penguins Foundation is ensuring the next generation has every opportunity to get on the ice and fall in love with the game.
Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey gives children ages 5–9 their first unforgettable step into the world of hockey. Through 8–10 on-ice sessions led by certified coaches, participants learn fundamental skating and hockey skills in a fun, supportive environment. Each child receives head-to-toe equipment, exclusive Penguins content, ticket discounts, program rewards at games, and special event opportunities—making it a true community experience for families. In the 2024.25 season, 852 kids across 29 rinks in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio participated. Beyond skating and puck handling, the program fosters responsibility, respect, integrity, perseverance, and teamwork—values that last well beyond the rink. Launched in Pittsburgh in 2008, Little Penguins continues to inspire new generations and welcome families into the hockey community.
For more information on Learn to Play and PensFIT: pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org/youth-hockey
Pittsburgh Pennies: Honoring History, Inspiring the Future
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Willie O’Ree Academy: Skills, Community, and Growth
In 1972, the Pittsburgh Pennies made history as the city’s first women’s hockey team, paving the way for generations of girls to come. More than 50 years later, their pioneering spirit lives on through the Pennies Girls Hockey Program—a bold new initiative from the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, in partnership with the NHL and NHLPA, to expand access and foster gender equality in the sport. Backed by nearly $300,000 in funding over two seasons, the program invests in long-term efforts with local amateur hockey associations to create sustainable opportunities for girls to learn, play, and thrive on the ice. The launch event—a sold-out skills clinic at PPG Paints Arena for girls ages 10–12—brought together young players and members of the original Pennies team, celebrating Pittsburgh’s proud legacy in women’s hockey while inspiring the next generation. Future programming includes a girls hockey festival, Girls Clinic Series, and grants to six area rinks to support new playing opportunities. With girls’ hockey participation in Western Pennsylvania up 80% over the last 15 years, the Pennies program aims to keep that momentum rising—ensuring every girl who dreams of playing has a place on the ice.
We recognize that Black hockey players often face unique circumstances within the hockey community. The Wille O’ Ree Academy, presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, supports local youth hockey players and their families by providing high-level training and a strong community network at no cost to participants. Named for hockey trailblazer Willie O’Ree, the Academy offers an 8-week off-season training program at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, featuring on-ice skills sessions, off-ice strength and conditioning, and instruction from Penguins staff and professional trainers. Throughout the season, families take part in monthly educational workshops and cultural discussions, covering topics such as college and junior hockey pathways, sports psychology, and career exposure with NHL executives and partners. The program also includes social events like Penguins game viewings and meet-and-greets with NHL players, creating meaningful opportunities both on and off the ice. By combining elite training with community-building and mentorship, the Willie O’Ree Academy helps young athletes sharpen their skills, build confidence, and feel supported as they pursue their hockey dreams.
PensFIT provides free floor hockey equipment to 22 school districts in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Learn more and see upcoming Pennies events at: pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org/youth-hockey
Twenty-nine rinks hosted Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play.
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