Pittsburgh Review

Members of the original Pittsburgh Pennies, established in 1972 as the city’s first women’s hockey team, gathered on Sunday for the seventh annual Her Hockey Game. This event was presented by 84 Lumber and celebrated during the NHL’s Celebrating Women’s History Month.

“It means a lot to young girls in attendance,” said Patti Gaab, a former member of the team. The group consisted of players aged 9 to 50 and competed in the Mid-Atlantic Women’s Hockey League across the Northeast and Canada. “I remember going to games when I was young, and just to see that there's all this support out there for them... it's nice to see they're backed and supported. Fun day for everybody.”

The game against the Rangers marked the start of the Her Hockey Auction, which runs until March 10 at noon. Fans can contribute by texting HERHOCKEY to 76278 or visiting herhockey.givesmart.com. The auction includes items such as Her Hockey locker room nameplates, Penguins autographed memorabilia, female-featured art, and more. All proceeds will benefit the new Pittsburgh Pennies Girls Hockey Program aimed at increasing female participation in hockey and promoting gender equality.

This initiative is part of efforts by the Penguins’ community hockey programming to ensure sustainable growth in girls’ hockey projects. It includes an investment nearing $300,000 over two seasons from both the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund and the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.

“The Pittsburgh Pennies program is all about building a network and building a community within girls' hockey – and then, just the possibility, right?” stated Shannon Webster, Penguins Senior Director of Youth Hockey. “Providing an opportunity for every girl that picks up a stick and making sure that they all feel welcome."

Girls’ hockey participation in Western Pennsylvania has surged by 80% over 15 years according to USA Hockey data. Gaab recalls earlier challenges: “I was one of the first people on the team organizing it... trying to get ice time, and getting enough girls to even play... it was a process that took a lot of time.”

Despite these struggles playing boys' teams or traveling long distances for competition was common back then. "It’s nice seeing all those girls' teams," Gaab added.

Reflecting on their journey from humble beginnings fueled by passion Gaab remarked: “It was wonderful... Just seeing where we started from and where we ended up; it was impressive.”

Gaab recently attended events at PPG Paints Arena celebrating today's iteration of Pittsburgh Pennies which aims at creating opportunities allowing young females enjoy this sport—a full-circle moment indeed: "I just feel proud…from past future,” she concluded.