Sidney Crosby's Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey

About

Sidney Crosby's Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey is an introductory program for children ages 5 to 9 to learn the fundamental skills of hockey in a fun and safe environment. The program consists of eight to ten sessions of on-ice instruction by certified coaches. First-time Little Penguins participants receive head-to-toe hockey equipment, along with a monthly newsletter with exclusive content, discounts on Penguins tickets, exclusive program rewards at Penguins games, special event opportunities, as well as a welcome packet and gift. The Little Penguins program is presented by the NHL and NHLPA with the support of Crosby, DICK'S Sporting Goods and USA Hockey. The Learn to Play program began in Pittsburgh in 2008 and has since become a league-wide initiative for the NHL.

Which Little Penguins Program Is Right for My Child?

New to Little Penguins?
Little Penguins Learn to Play is designed for first-time participants ages 5–9 and includes head-to-toe hockey equipment and 8–10 on-ice sessions.

Already completed Little Penguins?
Little Penguins Two is designed for Little Penguins graduates ages 5–9 who are continuing into the next available session. Participants receive an additional 8–10 on-ice sessions focused on continued skill development. Equipment is not included, and full hockey equipment is required.

Registration Information

The registration information below applies to first-time Little Penguins Learn to Play participants. Little Penguins Two participants will register through a separate registration link and will not select equipment sizes or receive equipment.

  • There are three sessions of the Little Penguins program offered annually: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Host locations vary each session. Registration for the next session will be announced as soon as it is confirmed.

  • Equipment sizes must be submitted during the registration process for first-time participants. Please utilize the Equipment Fit Guide to determine sizes PRIOR to registering. Equipment sizes cannot be changed once submitted.

  • Registration MUST be completed online through LeagueApps. Limited spots are available at each location.
  • Equipment pickup will take place on a specified date at a local DICK'S Sporting Goods location, selected during registration. Please double check the selected location, as it cannot be changed. About a week prior to equipment pickup, you will receive an email from [email protected] with dates and detailed information. Please check your SPAM or PROMOTIONS folder as this e-mail may not arrive straight to your inbox.

Dates (subject to change):

  • Winter: Registration opens on October 27, 2026 / On-Ice Starts in January 2027
  • Spring: Registration opens on February 2, 2027 / On-Ice Starts in April 2027
  • Fall: Registration opens in July 2027 / On-Ice Starts in September 2027

For questions, please contact us.

Little Penguins Eligibility

Please note the following program eligibility requirements:

  • Participants must be between the ages of 5 and 9 years old.
  • Little Penguins Learn to Play is offered to new, first-time participants only. Participants must not have been previously registered with USA Hockey or participated in an ice hockey league/program.

  • It is strongly recommended that participants complete a Learn to Skate class through their local ice rink prior to enrolling in Little Penguins.

  • Please note some host rinks have additional requirements, which are outlined on their registration page.

Little Penguins Two is available exclusively to children ages 5–9 who have completed the Little Penguins Learn to Play program and are continuing into the next available session. *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 with no refund.

Equipment

First-time Little Penguins participants receive the following head-to-toe equipment:

  • Helmet (with a cage)
  • Neck guard
  • Shoulder pads
  • Elbow pads
  • Hockey gloves
  • Hockey pants
  • Shin guards
  • Skates
  • Hockey Socks
  • Jersey
  • Stick
  • Equipment bag

Little Penguins Two registration does not include equipment. Participants must have full hockey equipment to participate.

The equipment we suggest you purchase is an athletic supporter (jock/jill), hockey stick tape and a mouth guard, from your local DICK'S Sporting Goods store.

About Little Penguins

Registration

On-Ice Sessions

Equipment

Next Steps/Continue to Play