The Pittsburgh Penguins have commenced their third annual Icebreaker Tournament at the CONSOL Energy Center and Robert Morris University’s Island Sports Center for youth hockey, per Joey Sykes of the Pens’ website.
The Pens Elite AAA organization – which is hosting the event – will be one team out of five age divisions. There is 26 teams within 14 organizations involved in the tournament.
To occupy the divisions, there’s four boys groupings aged from being born in 2001-2004 (13-16), and one U12 girls grouping.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ assistant general manager Bill Guerin, as well as player development coach, Mark Recchi, are set to aid in coaching the 2001 Pens Elite club.
Here’s what Guerin said about the event, per Sykes:
"“I think for them to be able to wear the logo and for them to be able to play on Pens home ice is a big deal for them. They have the backing of an NHL team, and Dicks Sporting Goods and the support that the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite gets is incredible.”"
Recchi offered his thoughts on the tournament as well, per Sykes:
"“What the Penguins give back to the city of Pittsburgh and how they want to do the right things for the youth and hockey here is important. Giving these kids every opportunity to develop like they have and get proper coaching and proper development has been an outstanding job.”"
This is sort of Recchi’s “breaking the ice” moment as his first year with the Pens as player development coach.