Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, in collaboration with the NHL and NHLPA, has launched a new initiative called the Pittsburgh Pennies Girls Hockey Program. This effort is part of the organization's commitment to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in hockey while promoting gender equality within the sport.

The program aims to build on existing community hockey initiatives by ensuring sustainable growth and encouraging broader participation in girls' hockey projects. It involves an investment of nearly $300,000 over two seasons from both the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.

The original Pittsburgh Pennies were established in 1972 as a pioneering women's ice hockey team in the city. Comprising players aged between 9 and 50, they competed in the Mid-Atlantic Women’s Hockey League across regions including Northeast America and Canada. Their inception coincided with Title IX, which expanded opportunities for women in sports.

The Penguins are set to implement comprehensive programs aimed at increasing participation and enthusiasm for hockey. The initiative will commence with a sold-out Skills Clinic for local female players aged 10 to 12 at PPG Paints Arena on Monday, December 2, from 6:00-7:00 PM. Members of the original Pittsburgh Pennies will attend this clinic to engage with young athletes and honor the city's legacy in women's hockey.

Additional plans include a Girls Clinic Series, an annual HER Hockey Game presented by 84 Lumber on Sunday, March 2, Try Hockey for Free presented by U.S. Steel, and Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.

According to USA Hockey, girls’ hockey participation in Western Pennsylvania has risen by 80% over the past fifteen years. The number of participants increased from 804 players during the 2008-09 season to 1,450 players in the current season.

For more information about this program or to register interest for future events, please click here.