Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Amateur Hockey

Overview

Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Amateur Hockey is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of young hockey players in Western Pennsylvania. It is a joint initiative between the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins and corporate partner Dick's Sporting Goods. The program focuses on comprehensive player development, incorporating premier coaching, professional management, state-of-the-art facilities, and unique opportunities for players to maximize their potential.

History

The Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program was established in March 2012 by combining resources with the Pittsburgh Hornets amateur hockey association. This partnership aimed to create a unified elite program with boys' and girls' teams competing at the highest levels in the United States and Canada. The foundation laid by the Pittsburgh Hornets, which historically advanced players to the USHL, NAHL, NCAA, and NHL, was crucial in establishing the Penguins Elite as a force in AAA hockey[3].

Objectives and Activities

The primary goal of Pittsburgh Penguins Elite is to provide young players with a competitive and supportive environment to enhance their hockey skills while also promoting positive life lessons. The organization emphasizes core values such as teamwork, hard work, winning attitude, respect, discipline, integrity, professionalism, and good sportsmanship. It offers a full complement of teams for both boys and girls across all age groups, making it unique in the region[3].

Achievements and Tournaments

Penguins Elite teams have achieved significant success, including USA Hockey National Championships. For instance, the 14U Girls and 16U Boys teams won national titles during the 2019 season[3]. The organization regularly participates in and hosts Tier 1 hockey tournaments, providing players with exposure to top-level competition and diverse hockey environments[5].

Support and Partnerships

The partnership with Dick's Sporting Goods significantly reduces participation costs for players, providing them with free equipment and uniforms. The organization also benefits from its relationship with the Pittsburgh Penguins, allowing players to practice at PPG Paints Arena and attend select games and events[3].

Educational and Community Focus

Beyond hockey, Pittsburgh Penguins Elite places a strong emphasis on education and community involvement. Coaches prioritize academic performance, allocating time for study sessions during road trips, and encourage visits to cultural sites and college campuses. This approach aims to develop well-rounded student-athletes who positively impact their communities[3].