Sidney Crosby took his involvement with the "Learn to Play" program a step further by joining 100 of the players, aged 4-9, on the ice. The kids were selected at random when they picked up their free head-to-toe equipment, including skates, which is provided to 2,000 young players each year with the funding provided by Crosby, the Penguins Foundation, USA Hockey, Dick's Sporting Goods and CCM.
"We didn't realize we won until we got the e-mail because we dumped the equipment out and she wanted to play with it so fast we just put the papers up on the shelf," Jeff Schilling said of his daughter.
"(It's been) top notch, she's been over the moon. It was really cool. Seeing Sid and the Penguins doing this for the kids is super cool, she's loving it."
Crosby was joined by teammates Dominik Simon, Tristan Jarry Carl Hagelin, Riley Sheahan, Jake Guentzel and Chad Ruhwedel. Each player assisted in drills throughout the session and came together for a group photo at the end. It's a skate that Crosby looks forward to every year.
"It seems like there's a growing number, it means a lot of kids are playing hockey," Crosby said. "It shows it's been a good program, hopefully a lot of kids are having fun with It. I'm happy to get out there with them, it's fun. They've got a ton of energy and they're excited."
Overall, the program, now in its 10th season, has provided hockey equipment to nearly 10,000 local children. As part of the "Learn to Play" initiative, local hockey coaches and volunteers came out to help Crosby and his teammates with the event.
"As you can see they're pretty fired up today, it's a pretty special day for these kids," said Mike Chiasson, Penguins manager of youth hockey. "I think the parents are as excited as they are. It's the first year we hit 2,000 sets (of equipment). It's a testament to how good of guys these Penguins players are for them to volunteer their time to come out here today. They're out here with smiles on their faces and they're having as much fun out here as the kids, so it's fun to see."
The program gives boys and girls across western Pennsylvania to have an opportunity to learn the game of hockey and develop their skills. There was no shortage of excitement throughout the day from both children and parents alike, especially with the special instructors that they had out there today.
"We couldn't fall asleep last night because Matthew was beside himself," Jim Miliauskas said of his son. "Just to be out here with the Penguins and the program itself, it's a great program.
"We love it, every time we see him and the other kids at the practice facility they always have a smile on their faces," Rene Miliauskas added. "It's so nice to see them enjoying themselves and the positivity from instructors. It's been a great experience."
