DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite goaltender Bianca Birrittieri has won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2026 Under-18 Women’s World Championship. Birrittieri was named Player of the Game after recording a 38-save shutout in a 2-0 victory over Team Canada.
“Bianca is a fierce competitor,” said Shaun Suisham, Director of the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Girls Hockey Program. “She doesn’t like to lose, she certainly doesn’t like pucks to go into her net, and it drives her in a special way to continue to get better, to continue to grow. And it’s been fun to play a supportive role, watching her on this journey.”
Birrittieri finished the tournament undefeated with a 4-0 record. She led all goaltenders in save percentage (.975), goals-against average (0.50), and shutouts (2).
Suisham credited Birrittieri’s dedication and teamwork since joining the Penguins Elite program. Throughout the season, she worked closely with Mitch Harris, Director of Goaltending, and Leah Marino, Head Coach of the Girls 19U team.
“To watch her in those moments, to play fearless the way that she did, it was a special moment for me as a coach,” Suisham said. “And frankly, for all of our girls, as we could celebrate that moment for her. It’s pretty special.”
Adela Pankova also earned recognition at the tournament by helping Team Czechia win bronze against Team Sweden and being named Player of the Game.
Both Birrittieri and Pankova have joined other Penguins Elite women’s hockey players who have competed internationally.
“Coming up in the Olympics, we have four girls who have been part of our Penguins Elite program who have been named to the Olympic roster – Laila Edwards, Hannah Bilka, Ava McNaughton, and Gwyneth Philips,” Suisham said. “It’s really, really, special.”
Suisham has coached girls teams for years before becoming Director of the Girls Hockey Program and expressed pride in how much progress has been made.
“In the last 10 years, my wife and I and our entire Pittsburgh family have seen significant growth on the girls’ side,” Suisham said. “It’s so exciting. Being a part of this, we’ve grown through this together with the Penguins.
“I have a great deal of gratitude towards our Pittsburgh Penguins, to Kevin Acklin, and all of the management that I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout the years.”
After retiring from professional football, Suisham saw firsthand how women’s hockey has expanded through his daughter’s participation. He noted improvements in providing equal resources for girls’ teams compared to boys’.
“Our girls’ scheduling is on par with what the boys experience, and that’s been something that’s been very special to be able to accomplish,” Suisham said.
At UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, opportunities are available for girls across age groups to train while pursuing their education.
“At the end of the day, these athletes, these ladies, are preparing themselves to be leaders of the future,” Suisham said. “We get to watch them grow through it. I’m very, very proud of that.”
The staff aims for success across all age groups by focusing on development within an environment designed for growth.
“A big part of this is their experience through the game of hockey, where we want to create an environment where, of course, they can chase their dreams through hockey and do it in a world-class facility with intentional training and development,” Suisham said.
Through programs such as Excel Hockey Academy and partnerships like Steel City Selects—and serving more than 125 girls—the organization seeks continual improvement.
“Our management and our leadership, and their willingness to be a part of this growth and maturity for our girls, have been so special,” Suisham said. “We’re quite literally seeing the result of that commitment to our girls at a national level.”
On Wednesday night at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex there was a surprise party organized by teammates for Birrittieri and Pankova celebrating their achievements at Worlds.
The organization recognizes not only international accomplishments but also values every player’s journey within its ranks.
“There’s value in this journey and being able to cheer on the girls whether they become Olympians or win a gold or bronze in the World Championship,” Suisham said. “They commit to Division I; commit to Division III; or decide to play club hockey—we’re going to celebrate all of it.”
