Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

Kevin Morrison – Pittsburgh Junior Penguins  (May 15,  2011):

First, can you tell readers how the league got started, it’s mission and what’s in store for the upcoming season?

The Pittsburgh Jr Tigers (as we were know then) were affiliated with the then Eastern Tigers who were a member of the Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey Association (PAHL) that first iced teams at the Monroeville Mall (center court) before moving to a rink in Plum Borough and then on to the Blade Runner Ice complex in Harmarville where our Jr Penguins have been skating since.

The Pittsburgh Jr Tigers started as an independent hockey team at the Jr C level back in 1997.  We were a ruthless group of 19 and 20 year old castoffs from other clubs that took their frustrations out on their opponents; old time hockey.  In the early years, our roster was thin in numbers, but exceptionally talented.  The team played a merciless game that often brought them controversy.  Additionally, while the team’s on-ice performance was stellar, their off-ice antics left a lot to be desired.  

Our primary focus early on was to change the attitude of the players and become a well respected program.  

We quickly learned that we needed to trade off some of our best talent for a team that could win and lose with dignity.  Right about then, the Eastern Tigers merged with the Pittsburgh Amateur Penguins and the rest as they say is history.

As the Jr Penguins, we grew in popularity and numbers to the point where we expanded to as many as five teams that included Tier I Midgets and a host of Jr teams from Jr C Developmental, Jr C and two Jr B teams competing in two different Leagues throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast corridor.  Back then, we provided opportunities for players who were looking for an alternative to midget hockey and a program where they could travel by charter bus and room as a team, play 20-minute periods and more.  That formula resulted in signing
the more mature players who were ready to step their game up to get to the next level.

Even without the big name players, we proved year-in-and-year-out that our teams could compete well against top level players three and four years older then them.  Along the way, our teams became a regular at the Jr Nationals attending that stage nine times over a ten year stretch.

Today, and new for the 2011-12 season, we are mothballing our two Jr B Franchises so that we can ice Tier I Midget teams at the U16 and U18 levels.  These teams are our development squads looking to make our Flagship Junior A Penguin team while they are still in high school and have time to climb the ladder to the higher Junior levels in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and United States Hockey League (USHL) where they place players in the NCAA DI and DIII programs regularly.

In fact, throughout the season, we will move players from our both of our midget rosters to the Junior A Penguin roster so they can get a taste of what that level demands.  We will also work directly with a couple of the NAHL teams and possibly the USHAL Phantoms to move our top Jr A Penguin players to their roster during the season when the need arises.

While we rode the coattails of the Eastern Tigers and the Amateur Penguins in the early years, since then, we’ve grown not only in numbers, but also in prestige and have become an attraction to the hockey community for players looking for an opportunity to advance.  In fact with the recent acquisition of the North American 3 Hockey League (3HL) by the NAHL, our team has become a direct feeder to the next level where we expect to place several players each season into the NAHL.  For area student athletes, there is a greater significance to
our Jr A Penguins being a member of the 3HL with a direct pathway to the NAHL.

How does your tiered program work and how does it enhance the player’s ability to improve their skill-sets?

Our Midget teams will compete at the elite level for the upcoming season in Showcase events partnered with the higher level Jr leagues including the USHL, NAHL, EJHL, MnJHL and NorPac.  This scheduling format guarantees a scouting presence at their showcase events.  In addition to these games, the U16 and U18 teams will compete in other Tier I Tournaments and augment their schedule with games against other Tier I competition in home and home game sets.

Throughout the season, we will promote players from both of our Midget teams to compete in weekend games at the Jr A level by rostering them on our Jr A Penguin team right up to the player trade deadline.  This will give our younger up-and-coming talent an opportunity to see what the demands are at the next level in advance of being there on a regular basis.  

How are players ultimately chosen for each team and who is eligible to play in the leagues/teams?

Like all area Tier I Midget program teams, we hold open tryouts for our U16 and U18 teams in April.  By attending these tryouts, our staff is able to identify players of interest and make offers to compete in our Program.

This year, we had 85 players trying out for the two teams with a cap on the rosters at 20.  Because we also ice the Jr A Penguin team, we were able to identify players on interest for that team during these tryouts also.  Therefore, we were able to overload the Midget U18 roster knowing that a few of those made an offer to play U18 would be moving up during our planned Jr A Penguin tryouts scheduled in June and July.

Players interested in competing on one of our three teams range in age from the 91 to the 96 birth year (including players age 16 through 20).  Although this includes a six-year span, most of the older 91’s and 92 have already moved on to college or the higher Jr levels.  Most of the players competing on our Jr A Penguin team are the area’s best high school juniors and seniors plus some post grads looking to hook up with an NCAA DIII program a year or two out of High School.  We also attract several out-of-town talented players to add flavor to the team and program.

In our first two seasons in the 3HL, our Junior A Penguins have gone 63-28-2-0inning 69% of our games and making the playoffs both seasons.  Individual accomplishments by our players include:

In our 1st season:

Angie McCoy – Pittsburgh Mighty Penguins – (June 30,  2011):

First, can you tell readers how the Pittsburgh Mighty Penguins got started and how it’s funded?

The Mighty Penguins were formed by volunteers from Shriners Hospital in Erie in May 1998.

Initially, the goal was to provide children and young adults with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in a competitive sport. At first, the practices were therapeutic for players, but the parents and guardians saw firsthand the physical and emotional benefits.

Over the next 10 years, the parents managed the organization with support from Shriners Hospital in Erie.  The parents have taken the program from a therapeutic focus to a combination of therapy and competition.  That is, for players who want to compete at a national level, the Mighty Penguins provide the training ground to develop the necessary skills.  In fact, we currently have on our adult team one gold medalist from the 2002 Paralympics, one current USA National player, and two current USA Development players.  

In addition to support from Shriners Hospital, the only direct funding, prior to this year, for the Mighty Penguins was donations received via an annual fundraiser where our players challenged stand-up hockey teams to a sled game.  That is, the stand-up teams get on sleds and play the game the way individuals with disabilities play the game.  In fact, our catch phrase is ‘Get ready to play….Our way!’  Although the main purpose of the fundraisers is to raise the much needed funds that allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a team sport at minimal cost to families, the fundraisers also raise awareness that individuals with disabilities can compete at a high level.  

Most able-bodied individuals who take to the ice on a sled are surprised at the workout they get as well as the skill required to play sled hockey.  Many local organizations have helped our program grow by donating ice time, equipment, customized hockey gear, and insurance.

Bladerunners Ice Complex has been a huge supporter for us as have the Amateur Penguins and International Hockey College.  Individuals throughout the area volunteer their time and talents to educate and assist the players.  We have several volunteers from UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and UPMC Medical School as well as from local high school and amateur teams.

With direction from UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, we decided to branch off as an official 501C3 Tax-Exempt organization this year.  In April, we challenged UPMC Rehab Institute physicians and staff to a sled hockey game.  UPMC Rehab Institute has proven to be a great partner in our mission to provide individuals with physical and/cognitive disabilities, regardless of age, the opportunity to play a team sport with minimal financial impact to families.  

Another great partnership has been with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.  They have supported our adult team in national competition.  Sled hockey is an expensive sport. Players not only require the equipment used by all standup ice hockey players (except for a stick and skates) but they also require a custom sled and two mini hockey sticks with picks.  Sleds can cost from $500-$1000 each.  
Sticks range from $65-$200/pair.  In addition to equipment costs, each player is required to have insurance through USA Hockey ($35/year).  We reserve three hours of ice each week for players to practice or play games.  

Practice and game ice can cost between $150-$250/hr.  The opportunity for players to travel and compete in tournaments throughout the US and Canada is priceless but costly. Registration fees and travel expenses can cost an individual family $500-$1500 per event.  As I said earlier, the Mighty Penguins have worked hard to minimize the expenses to players who want to participate either therapeutically or competitively in the sport of sled hockey.  As a tax-exempt organization, we can now accept donations directly online at www.penguinssledhockey.org.  100% of all donations are used to provide individuals with a disability the opportunity to be a part of a team.

Besides the obvious differences, how does the Sled hockey game differ from that of ice hockey?

Players have the same equipment as stand-up players but instead of skates they sit in a sled and instead of one stick they have two mini-sticks that are fitted with ice picks on the end.  The sticks are used by the player to propel himself/herself on the ice.  The game of sled hockey is played pretty much the same as stand-up hockey.  

All the rules of stand-up hockey apply in sled hockey with the addition of a couple of extra penalties including picking (where the pick end of the stick is used to stab another player) and t-boning (where the front-end of a sled is forced into the side of a player’s sled).  

The game is just as physical as stand-up hockey and fights do break out.  Just google ‘sled hockey fight’ and see for yourself!

How do you spread the message of the team’s existence and how do you recruit players?

Over the last ten years, the players and families have spread the word about the team’s existence.  

Whenever a player had an appointment at Children’s Hospital or at the Children’s Institute, families would bring along printed material about the program.  We have also been known to walk up to strangers in a mall or on the street who have an obvious disability and ask them if they are interested in trying out the sport.  It’s amazing how many family and friends have spread the word about our program.  It’s the ‘six degrees of separation’ idea.  Someone will come to a practice who heard about us from the friend of a friend of a player’s family member.   

As our players become more successful in the sport and the media has reported on their successes, we’ve received a lot of inquiries about participating in our program. Through the NHL’s ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ campaign, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been instrumental in getting the word out that individuals with disabilities can participate in hockey.   

The Penguins are championing our successes via their website and Facebook page whenever possible.  More recently, having a partnership with UPMC Rehabilitation Institute has spotlighted our existence for individuals who have rehabbed through their program.  This provides individuals who are newly injured with a competitive sport that they may or may not have played prior to their injury.

What is the criteria needed to be able to play and how do you select your final roster?

We roster three teams each year with USA Hockey.

Our novice team is for individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.  Most players, regardless of age, start out on our novice team.  The average age of this team is around 8 years old.  We have players as young as 5 and as old as 22 on this team.   Our junior team is for individuals who have mastered the basic tenets of hockey and are emerging into the next level of competitive play.  

These players are for the most part independent both on and off the ice and are ready for a competitive level of game play.  That is, players participate in practices consistently, understand the rules, are developing their stick handling skills, are skating with stamina and purpose, and are willing to travel for competition.

Our adult team is for individuals who are independent on and off the ice (necessary for traveling), have further developed the skills beyond junior-level competition and have reached a level of ability that allows them to safely participate in aggressive adult-level competition at a national/international level.

Our coaches work closely to determine which players are placed on their teams.  We want players to succeed at the level in which they are most comfortable playing.  Each team has the opportunity to participate in scrimmages and tournaments throughout the season.

How are players coached on the game and on how to use the sled? How do you get them acclimated to the game?

Players are coached in a game as any stand-up player would be coached.  There are positions to be played and plays to be executed.  The coaches direct the players on and off the ice on how the player can improve and how the overall team can improve.   

Using the sled is another story.  Coaches really can’t teach this.  For a non-disabled person, getting acclimated to the sled is difficult.  Players really learn how to use the sled by watching other players and getting direction from the more experience players.  Because everyone’s disability is unique, each player develops their own technique for using the sled.  Some use arm strength to primarily propel themselves while others use their core as their primary strength.  The only way to really get acclimated to the use of the sled is practice.  Balance is a key part to being on a sled.  Players start out with the sled blades spread about 8 inches apart.  As balance becomes second nature, the blades are moved in.  Some of our advanced players have their blades at a ½ inch apart to allow for quicker turns.  

Who does the team play – and where can fans see them in action?

Our adult team participates in the Mid-American Great Lakes Sled League (MAGL Sled League).  

In addition to our team, teams include Ohio Combined, Fort Wayne’s Turnstone Flyers, Grand Rapids Sled Wings, and the Michigan Sled Dogs.  Last year was the league’s inaugural season.  The Penguins took first place in the league (see stats at //www.usahockey.com/Season/TournamentStandingTab.aspx?EventID=2632&AgeDivisionID=19)
and were invited to the National Disabled Championship in Blaine MN in April to play for the Adult National Title.  The team came in second place nationally losing to the Colorado Avalanche in the championship game.  See stats here: //www.usahockey.com/Tournament/TournamentScheduleUser.aspx?EventID=2650&AgeDivisionID=1902.  

The adult team also participates in the NHL Sled Hockey Classic that is an annual event sponsored by the NHL and USA Hockey.  Last year’s event was in Denver, CO.  This year it will be in Philadelphia in November. The Junior and Novice team scrimmage with the Johnstown Sitting Bulls as well as teams from Ohio.  They participate annually in the Shriners sponsored Aladdin Invitational held in January in Columbus, OH.  

In addition, they have the opportunity to participate in the Bob Chase Frostbite Tournament held in Fort Wayne, IN in February as well as the Jennifer Kryger Tournament held in Grand Rapids, MI in March.  Both teams have the opportunity to participate in the open division of the National Disabled Festival held in April each year.  This year it will be in Dallas, TX. Fans can see the teams in action during the MAGL league weekend to be held in Pittsburgh on November 11-13 at Bladerunners in Harmarville.  

In addition, fans should check our website often because throughout the year teams come into Pittsburgh to challenge us.  Ontario’s development team came into town to play two games against us in May.  We smoked them.  

The USA Women’s team will be challenging our adult team in December here in Pittsburgh. The teams are also available to play against stand-up teams anytime/anywhere.  We provide the sleds and sticks for the stand-up teams while they provide the ice.  It is a great opportunity to show different communities throughout Pittsburgh that individuals with disabilities can compete in team sports.

Where/how do you think you can you improve in terms of the program and are there plans to do so?

We are currently in a tremendous growth period for our program.  Having just secured a 501C3 status opens up so many more opportunities to grow the program as more grants/funds are available to us now.  Until recently, all three teams practiced on the ice at the same time to minimize the expense of the ice.  As funds are received, we are able to separate ice times by teams allowing each team the opportunity to develop their game using a full sheet of ice.  

With more ice available, more players can participate. The opportunity to grow financially allows us to purchase more equipment for our players.  Our program has about 15 extra sleds and sticks for use by new players who do not want to purchase a sled and for use during fundraisers.  We provide used helmet, gloves, chest pad, elbow pad and shin guards.  The more equipment on hand, the more players we can
outfit for participation in the sport.

Does the Penguins organization get involved in the program – if so, how?

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been instrumental in getting the word out that we exist.  

Through the ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ program, we are part of their youth hockey initiative.  They keep track of our National players and post their accomplishments on the website and Facebook page.  They provided us the opportunity to skate on the outdoor rink during the Winter Classic this past winter.  What an amazing experience! Through the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, we were able to secure funding that allowed us to participate in the NHL Sled Classic last fall and hopefully this fall as well.  Without their support, we would not have had the financial ability to travel to Denver to participate in the NHL Sled Classic.  

The Penguins have been highly touted for their involvement in community affairs and the growth of hockey in the region. It appears to a major initiative of the organization – not just “something else they do”. How is this fostered through the organization and why is this so important to the Penguins?

We have had the pleasure of working Rich Hixon, the Executive Director of Strategic Planning, when he first assumed this position about a year ago.  

Rich and Max Malone, the Manager of Amateur Hockey Development, were instrumental in allowing us to participate in the NHL Sled Classic.  Along with Dave Soltesz, the President of the Pittsburgh Foundation, they whole-heartedly support our effort to develop the Mighty Penguins organization.  

They truly believe that hockey should be available for anyone regardless of ability.   In fact, Max Malone believes in us so much that he agreed to be a member of the Mighty Penguins’ board!

Who are the Penguins players that get involved most – how do they do so and any fun anecdotes from their involvement?

We have not had any Penguins players get involved to date although we look forward to their participation.  It would be awesome to challenge the Penguins to a sled game in the near future!

What have been the most rewarding – and frustrating – elements of your program so far?

Any time new players show up at a practice, it is priceless to see them realize that they are able to participate in a sport that is so similar to the actual non-disabled game.  Most of our players are in wheelchairs or walk with leg braces.  The expressions on the players’ faces when they realize the
freedom they have skating on the ice is so awesome.  

Especially for families with a child with a disability, our program provides not only a social outlet for their child but also support for them.  We have all had the ups and downs with medical issues involving our children.  

We have all had the ups and downs of school and social issues.  Sled hockey gives families the respite they need as well as the support from others who really understand what they are going through.  It is extremely rewarding to see the face of a player, young or old, after they compete in their first game or score their first goal.  There is nothing better than the feeling of accomplishment!

The frustrating elements of our program are few.  Probably the only real frustration is managing the finances at times to ensure that everyone has the ability to participate in any event, near or far, with minimal impact on families.

How has the success for the Penguins made things easier – and harder – for you and your programs?

The success of the Penguins has made things easier for our program.  The success has impacted youth hockey in our area and hopefully will continue to do so.  The impact on youth hockey only highlights that hockey can also be played by people with disabilities.  

The success of the Penguins has afforded them the ability to initiate the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation whose mission is to support community programs that improve the lives of youth in our area.  Without the foundation, we would not be able to participate in certain events because of the costs Involved.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Sled hockey has been a blessing for so many players and families in our area.  If you know of anyone with a disability who wants to be a part of something special, contact us at mpsledhockey@yahoo.com and visit our website at www.penguinssledhockey.org.   Get Ready to Play….…..Our Way!! 

Howard Smith – Pittsburgh ICE: (June 23,  2011):

First, can you tell readers how the ICE program got started and how it’s funded?

Pittsburgh ICE (formerly known as Hockey in the Hood) was founded by several people from the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni Association, and  Mr. Clifford G Benson of Deloitte Consulting.

The concept of the program was to introduce kids in the city of Pittsburgh to the game of ice hockey. A lot of kids cannot afford to play hockey and do not have the access or means to even attempt to try the game.

The National Hockey league, seeing how hockey was growing in the mid-1990’s developed an idea to get kids  from the cities (predominently from the inner cities) the chance to play hockey. This concept was developed by the National Hockey League in 1994. The programs that formed this concept created the National Hockey League Diversity Task Force now called Hockey Is For Everyone. Our first season was in
October 2000 and we have just concluded our 11th season of hockey in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh ICE is a learn to skate/learn to play program. We have over the years developed a lot of players that have gone on to play high school locally. Our program has had an 8 year relationship with Carrick High School. Many past and current Carrick Cougars hockey players got their initial hockey start and training with Pittsburgh ICE. This program is funded through grants and donations from various
organizations and support from the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation , the National Hockey League and many fundraising events during the course of the season.

Hockey in Pittsburgh seems to have improved tremendously with area players like Gibson, Saad, Miller, Trocheck and Houser all ranking high for the NHL draft. What do you attribute this to?

This is attributed to the exposure of hockey to many kids in the Pittsburgh area. With more high schools developing teams and more access to amateur programs, players are getting more opportunities to hone their skills on the ice thus being able to compete at a much higher level.

In spreading the hockey message, how do you first get children who have not had the opportunity to experience hockey interested in the sport – especially if there’s a perception that they cannot afford to play?

I go out into the city to the various youth recreation centers and talk about the program. Word of mouth has really been a huge success in getting kids involved in this program. During the school year I will speak with local school officials about the program and just explain to them what the program is about and how kids can join.

Once done, how does your organization make hockey more accessible to those children in the Pittsburgh region?

We make hockey more accessible by providing the instruction, equipment and ice time to kids that want to learn to play. The only cost to a parent that wants their child to participate in this program is $35.00. That does not go to Pittsburgh ICE. That fee is for USA HOCKEY registration which is required for all participants of USA HOCKEY affiliated programs. This is insurance. All players, on-ice volunteers and coaches are required to pay this.

Where/how do you think you can you improve in terms of the program and are there plans to do so?

Each year we have grown. In our first season (2000 – 2001) we had 30 kids. This past season we had over 150 kids registered with the program. We anticipate that same amount maybe a few more this coming 2011-2012 season.

We look to improve each year through fundraising, community awareness of our program and just overall getting a lot of kids to try a sport that they may otherwise have no accessibility to try.

Does the Penguins organization get involved in the program – if so, how?

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been involved with this program since our first season. Over the past 11 years the Penguins have been OUTSTANDING with their support. From player visits to the practices to providing tickets to games during the season to having our kids skate at Consol Energy Center for various hockey events, the Penguins are very Pro-Active in their support of Pittsburgh ICE.

Our program is very fortunate to have such support. There are some programs similar to ours in other cities that have an NHL team and those programs get marginal support from their NHL team. Our original program logo featured the ‘Skating Penguin” logo. Our program was very honored to have the “Skating Penguin” as part of our logo.

The Penguins have been highly touted for their involvement in community affairs and the growth of hockey in the region. It appears to a major initiative of the organization – not just “something else they do”. How is this fostered through the organization and why is this so important to the Penguins?

I feel it is important because in my opinion, the Penguins are very supportive of youth hockey in Pittsburgh.

The Penguins want to see more kids playing the great game of hockey and with various youth hockey camps available to kids, the Penguins are making hockey available to all kids in the Pittsburgh area. The first step is to reach out to those kids that cannot for what ever reason play hockey. The Penguins have done that through programs like Street Pals (Street Hockey),and Dek Hockey programs. With support from
the Penguins, Pittsburgh ICE has been able to reach those in the Pittsburgh area that want to play ice hockey.

Who are the Penguins players that get involved most – how do they do so and any fun anecdotes from their involvement?

Over the past 11 years we have had many players come out to skate with the kids and hold clinics. Players like Gary Roberts and Georges Laraque, Hall of Famer Joe Mullen, and others such as Phil Borque and Brooks Orpik have given of their time and hockey knowledge to our program.

When the Penguins were invited to the White House in 2009, Pittsburgh ICE (Hockey in the Hood) was also invited to the White House. The kids that were selected to go had a wonderful time on the ice with Sidney Crosby, Marc Andre Fleury, Brooks Orpik and Jordan Staal.

Any new programs being considered/implemented soon?

As far as new programs, not so much. Our season runs from October through mid- March. Approximately 50 days of hockey instruction. (similar to an entire 82 game hockey season). We may look to expand the program in a few years provided there is an interest and the means available to expand such as more ice availability in the city of Pittsburgh.

What have been the most rewarding – and frustrating – elements of your program so far?

There have been so many rewarding things with this program too numerous to mention. The best reward for me is to see a child that has never had an opportunity to play the game of hockey learn and master basic skills and then keep pursuing the sport, that is rewarding for me.

Seeing kids skate at Civic Arena and the joy on their faces.. that is rewarding.  On the frustrating side, If there was an indoor rink in the heart of the city, then a lot more kids would be playing hockey. It is frustrating to me to tell parents about the program and then hear that a lot of parents / kids cannot get to the rink that we skate at because of a lack of transportation.

This is something that has been an ongoing issue but we work around that with carpools and parents that volunteer to give a kid a ride who may need a lift to practice from time to time.

How has the success for the Penguins made things easier – and harder – for you and your programs?

The success of the Penguins has made hockey a sport that a lot of kids want to try and play. That is easy. The hard part is reaching out to those kids that do not have the means necessary to play the game. That is where Pittsburgh ICE comes in.  Someone told me that this program was only going to last 6 months. That was 11 years ago…

Any last thoughts for readers?

Our website is www.pghice.com or www.pghice.net or www.pghice.org. We are affiliated with the National Hockey League / Hockey is For Everyone. I would love to reach out to more kids in the city to give them a chance to learn such a great sport.

The hockey community in the city of Pittsburgh over the past 11 years have been Stellar in their support of this program. I cannot thank the hockey community of Pittsburgh enough for all they have done from equipment drives to donations, etc.