From the Pittsburgh Pennies to hosting the best modern-day talent in the PWHL, the Penguins organization is proud to honor and celebrate the women who make a difference in the sport of hockey.

We are proud to share some of the initiatives which happened during Women's History Month 2024 below.

Krissy Wendell-Pohl Grateful for Hall of Fame Journey

During the first day of scouting meetings leading into the NHL Draft, Krissy Wendell-Pohl’s phone kept ringing with a Toronto area code.

As an amateur scout with the Penguins, she tried to remain focused on the task at hand – but the caller was persistent.

At one point, she leaned over and asked director of player development Tom Kostopoulos, who’s from Ontario, if he had that number saved, but he did not. Finally, Wendell-Pohl received a text saying, ‘hey, this is from the Hockey Hall of Fame. Can you give us a call?’

“I'm like, oh my gosh. Then it kind of hit me, and then they called again,” she recalled with a laugh. “I remember thinking, ‘I should probably leave the room. I don't know how long this is going to take.’ It's just… my mind was spinning.”

Her Hockey Day presented by 84 Lumber

On Sunday, March 10, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Penguins Foundation hosted the 6th Annual Her Hockey Day presented by 84 Lumber.

Her Hockey Day aims to recognize the incredible passion of our women fans during the NHL’s Celebrating Women’s History Month. From girls stepping onto the ice for the first time, to women supporting the Pens from home, to those who are trailblazers for our great game, we will celebrate YOU.

Further, thanks to 84 Lumber, local women were recognized for their community engagement and empowered to continue to make Pittsburgh a city of equality.

Various programming included:

  • A community spotlight honoring a local woman-owned non-profit, Reshaping the Village
  • Honorary national anthems by Hillcrest Intermediate School All-Girl Choir
  • Informational tables throughout the concourse featuring organizations tied to advocating female empowerment in Western Pennsylvania, including

PWHL Game Draws Passionate Crowd in Steel City

A crowd of 8,850 packed the lower bowl to watch Toronto’s 2-1 victory over Montréal, which is the highest-attended women’s hockey game in Pittsburgh history. It was excellent attendance, especially considering the Penguins played twice over a busy weekend that also featured St. Patrick’s Day festivities, including later that evening against the Red Wings.

“Honestly, like, just to see how much support we're getting… the phrase ‘you build it and they will come’ is so real, and it's happening,” said Montréal forward Kristin O’Neill, who scored her first of the season in the contest.

L.I.F.T. Women's Panel and Networking Event

On April 6 at 11:30 AM, participants heard from a panel of accomplished women professionals throughout several industries that have previously been deemed as “male dominant.” They shared their stories of how they overcame any obstacles they faced along their paths to success and leadership and the importance of their own female advocacy networks along the way. The discussion also focused on how they’ve taken traits of a successful “team” and instituted these elements along with an emphasis on goal-setting and accountability throughout their companies.

L.I.F.T. EmpowerHER Grant

Congratulations to the 2024 L.I.F.T EmpowerHER Grant recipient, Dandelion Kids!

The 2024 EmpowerHER Grant Finalists are Dandelion Kids, PGH Candle and STARS (Specialized Therapy & Related Services).

84 Lumber is a proud nationally certified woman-owned and -operated business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the Penguins embody giving everyone an equal chance to succeed and thrive.

The EmpowerHER Grant is a part of 84 Lumber’s L.I.F.T. (Leading & Inspiring Females to Thrive) program with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

PensGear 10% Donation on All Ladies and Girls Items

In support of the NHL’s Celebrating Women’s History Month, PensGear donated 10% of all ladies and girls item purchases in-store to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation on Her Hockey Day. Proceeds supported need-based scholarships for girls hockey.