Programs & Initiatives

Programs & Initiatives

DEK Hockey

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Toyota SportsPlex introduced the sport of Dek Hockey to NEPA with the help of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. The first outdoor rink in the area was completed in March of 2023.

The equipment required is minimal compared to ice hockey – players only need sneakers, a stick, and a ball. This cost-effective setup removes the barriers to participation, allowing individuals from diverse economic backgrounds to partake without the burden of high expenses.

Dek Hockey welcomes players of all skill levels and ages. It’s not just for those who have honed their skills on ice; beginners, youngsters, and even adults looking for recreational exercise can engage in the sport. For information about leagues and learn to play clinics, please see the Toyota SportsPlex Dek Hockey website:

Dek Hockey group photo
Good Choices logo

Good Choices

Good Choices is an in-school assembly program that champions holistic well-being for elementary students. Through interactive sessions, it emphasizes the significance of healthy eating, exercise, and teamwork.  

By blending education and engagement, young participants embrace the importance of balance nutrition and staying active. Led by program facilitators and assisted by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins players, Good Choices doesn’t just promote physical health; it nurtures character development, equipping students with essential life skills for a brighter future.  

If you want to bring the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to your school, email GOALS@wbspenguins.com.

American Special Hockey Association (ASHA)

Special Hockey is coming to Wilkes-Barre in 2024. Special Hockey is a modified form of hockey designed to be inclusive and accessible for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The American Special Hockey Association provides individuals with specials needs the opportunity to embrace they sport they love. Join our mailing list to stay up to date and play on our inaugural team.

ASHA

Pens Fit

Pens Fit is a dynamic, community-centric traveling program that brings hockey to you, free of charge.

From local parks to community centers, Pens Fit transforms ordinary spaces into vibrant arenas of fun. With skilled instructors and equipment, this free program is for children of all skills levels to pick up a stick, hit the pavement, and experience street hockey for the first time.

It’s not just a free learn-to-play program, it’s a celebration of fitness, teamwork, and unifying the spirits of sports right in the heart of our community. To learn more or to bring this free program to a community space near you, email GOALS@wbspenguins.com

DEK Hockey 101

DEK Hockey 101 is an in-school program led by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins that introduces elementary students to the exhilarating world of street hockey. Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, young participants discover the joy of physical activity while learning fundamental hockey skills. This program seamlessly blends fitness with fun, promoting teamwork, coordination, and a healthy lifestyle.  This in-school street hockey program is designed for grades 3-6.

To learn more or to bring DEK Hockey 101 to your School, reach out to Kyle Hammer at khammer@wbspenguins.com or at (570) 208-5424.

Playing hockey on The Dek

PensPass: Sharing the Thrill

The PensPass program increases accessibility to sports and promotes inclusivity. Through this program, generous fans can donate game tickets allowing individuals who may not have the means to attend live hockey the opportunity to experience the excitement of a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins game.

This allows the foundation to foster a sense of belonging and unity while removing socioeconomic barriers to partake in the joy of sports. PensPass ensures underserved populations not only experience the excitement of hockey but create memories for a live time.

If you would like to donate your unused tickets to bring a nonprofit to a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins game, email GOALS@wbspenguins.com.

Tickets For Tots

Tickets for Tots is an initiative that aims to spread the joy of hockey to the youngest fans in our community. This program allows children who otherwise would not have an opportunity to attend live sporting events, The Penguins recognize the importance of fostering a love for the game early on and believe that every child should have the chance to experience the thrill of hockey.