Little Penguins Graduates Reach for the Stars by Cindy Himes / Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby teamed up to create the Little Penguins program for the 2008-09 season; and, to say that it has been a huge success or that it has had a positive effect on local youth would be a vast understatement.
The program focused on introducing both boys and girls to the sport; but, it significantly opened a new world to many young girls who never envisioned themselves playing hockey.
Over 13 seasons, the Little Penguins program has seen nearly 2,000 young girls participate. Meanwhile, according to USA Hockey membership data, female players have grown overall in western Pennsylvania by 70.2% since 2008; a testament to the Little Penguins program helping to grown the sport for girls.