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Pittsburgh Penguins Learn To Play
Little Penguins
Learn to Play is a program that provides a unique opportunity for families to join the hockey community and for participants to develop fundamental skills to help them succeed both on and off the ice. Created jointly by the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL). Learn to Play’s goal is to inspire youth and welcome more families into the hockey community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Little Penguins!
The Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing an all-inclusive program for first-time participants: head-to-toe equipment, eight (8) to ten (10) weeks of age appropriate on-ice instruction, and certified coaching in a fun and safe atmosphere.
The participation fee varies by facility, but ranges between $249 and $299, plus processing fees.
The Little Penguins Learn to Play program is offered to new, first-time participants (boys and girls), between the ages of five (5) and nine (9). First-time participants are those who have not been previously participated in a hockey league/program (house/rec league, learn to play, mini-mites, camps, etc.) or registered with USA Hockey. It is strongly recommended that participants complete a Learn to Skate session at their local ice rink prior to enrolling in Little Penguins.
*If the host facility becomes aware that a registered child has previous hockey league/program experience, the child will be removed from the Little Penguins program and the parent/guardian(s) will not be refunded.
The participation fee varies by facility, but ranges between $249 and $299, plus processing fees.
It is strongly recommended that children complete a “Learn to Skate” class through their local rink prior to enrolling in Little Penguins. Most rinks have regular ice skating sessions which are open to the public and are a great way to gain experience and confidence on the ice. For those looking to register for a “Learn to Skate” program, please contact your local rink.
The Little Penguins Learn to Play program is offered at over twenty local ice rinks throughout the Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia region. Although, not every ice rink hosts during each session (Fall, Winter and Spring). A list of locations hosting during the current/upcoming session, can be found after clicking the “Register Now!” button above, under the "Open Registrations" section. A list of all our host locations, can be found below “Open Registrations” in the "Rink and Address Locations" section.
Registration
We understand that things change and ask that you contact us as soon as possible with any refund requests. Please understand the Little Penguins Learn to Play program cannot offer refunds for participants that: do not meet the program eligibility requirements; register for multiple locations/sessions; or cancel after the registrant's equipment is kitted and/or picked up. This policy is in place because once registration fees are collected, preparations for an individuals participation begin quickly by the Penguins as well as host sites to kit equipment, plan ice time/coaches and other fixed costs. All of which are expenses that cannot be recouped if a registrant cancels in the above instances. We care about your customer experience and will work to accommodate each request individually. Please email littlepenguins@pittsburghpenguins.com with any cancellation questions.
We have waitlists for all Little Penguins programs. If you are interested in a session that is full, please register for the waitlist. We will do our best to contact participants on the waitlist should a spot become available.
If you successfully registered your children for the same session, then yes. All participants will be on the ice at the same time. Coaches may split the class into groups for drills throughout the program.
USA Hockey is the national governing body of ice hockey in the United States (https://www.usahockey.com/). USA Hockey provides a number of resources for the Learn to Play program, including; age-appropriate training modules and practice plans, coaching certification, background screening and insurance for all Learn to Play participants. Each Little Penguins participant receives a free USA Hockey player membership for the season in which they complete the program. Once processed, the membership confirmation email is sent directly to each participants’ primary e-mail used during registration. This e-mail includes the participants USA Hockey confirmation number.
On-Ice Sessions
It is strongly recommended that participants arrive 30-60 minutes early to the first on-ice session. Please arrive in enough time to ensure that your child is able to get checked in, dressed, and on the ice on time. Please be aware that it can take longer than expected to get your child dressed, especially in the first few sessions.
Please make sure to let your Coach know that you will not be attending a certain class.
Equipment
Upon registration, each participant will receive head-to-toe equipment. The equipment provided includes: a helmet (with a cage), neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, skates, jersey, hockey socks, a hockey stick and an equipment bag. We strongly encourage participants to purchase their own athletic supporter (jock/jill), hockey stick tape, and a mouth guard. All equipment is required to be worn during on-ice sessions. Participants keep the equipment upon graduating from the Little Penguins program.
Next Steps / Continue to Play
The Pittsburgh Penguins encourage all Little Penguins participants to continue playing hockey! Talk to your Coach or Rink Director for the best next step program.
Unfortunately, no. The Little Penguins program is offered to only new, first-time participants. Sessions are not progressive and participants may only register for one session (Fall, Winter, or Spring). Host facilities/organizations will provide participants with direction on transitional, next-step programming available.
The participation fee varies by facility, but ranges between $249 and $299, plus processing fees.
Any questions? Contact us at:
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