The Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation are committed to growing the game of hockey for everyone.

Did you know that...

  • Girls drop out sooner, and in greater numbers, than boys in youth sports? In fact, by the age of 14, girls quit sports at two times the rate of boys.
  • 73% of girls have concerns about their body while they are playing a sport.

These issues should be addressed, and our goal is to provide you with some resources that may help yourself or a young woman that you know.

Beginning Hockey Programs

Off-Ice

The basic skills of hockey can be learned off the ice in ball, street or dek hockey.  For a full list of local dek and ball hockey rinks, click here.

On-Ice

  • Learn to Skate (all ages): Introduction to ice skating taught by experienced coaches in local rinks. Utilized as the first step towards a player's ice hockey journey. The local ice rinks run Learn to Skate programs, so you can either reach out directly to the rink for program information or use this search tool.
  • Try Hockey for Free is a great place to give the sport a try! Many local rinks and youth hockey associations host these events several times throughout the season! Check with the local rink for upcoming events. More information can be found here.
  • Learn to Play (Ages 5-9): Once your child has learned ice skating basics, the Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey program is next. This introductory program provides first-time participants head-to-toe equipment, eight to ten on-ice sessions of age appropriate instruction, and certified coaching in a fun and safe atmosphere for a minimal cost. More information can be found here.
    • At the conclusion of Little Penguins Learn to Play, players are transitioned into rink or youth hockey association run development programming to ensure proper skill development that sets players on the proper path to recreational and travel leagues.

Intermediate Hockey Programs

Recreational/House Leagues

  • Local rinks offer players the chance to practice and play games with a team in a fun but structured environment to further develop skills.

Travel Hockey

The Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League (PAHL) includes 28-member youth hockey associations in Western PA, northern West Virginia and eastern Ohio. Youth hockey associations offer age-specific teams, beginning at 8 & under and continuing from 10 & under through 18 & under at various competitive levels. These organizations field youth and all-girls teams in each age categories. A full list of these 28 youth hockey associations can be found on the PAHL website here.

High School

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League (PIHL) offers competitive interscholastic hockey teams across several divisions. A full list of Member Schools can be found here. Beginning in spring 2022, a regional girls division was formed,  more information can be found here.

Advanced Hockey Programs

Steel City Selects (Tier II)

The Steel City Selects is an all-female ice hockey organization offering 14U, 16U, and 19U teams that compete in an independent schedule. With the focus on player development, they offer off-ice conditioning and special skills training, such as power skating and shooting development, in addition to team practices. Players compete in competitive tournaments in the Midwest and east coast regions amounting to 40-50 games per season. Each of the three teams declare National intentions with the desire to represent the MidAm District at USA Hockey’s National Championships. More information can be found here.

DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite (Tier I)

DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite offers seven girls teams across five age groups (10 & under; 12 & under; 14 & under; 16 & under; and 19 & under). The organizations mission statement is to promote the development of young hockey players by providing on-ice and off-ice training and opportunities that allow each player to maximize his or her potential in a competitive learning environment, while providing positive lessons that allow them to excel in life. More information can be found here.

Pittsburgh Area College Programs

Professional Organizations

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), is a first-of-its-kind women’s hockey league that brings together the best players in the world. Beginning in January 2024, the league will consist of 6 teams, located in Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto.

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