The Pittsburgh Penguins and Dick’s Sporting Goods hosted a contest for youth hockey teams to submit a video that explains why sports matter to them. The winning team would have the opportunity to practice with select Pittsburgh Penguins coaches and attend a Penguins game in a party suite. The 2005 Black Penguins Elite team was selected as the winners of this contest thanks to the phenomenal video that they submitted that explained why sports are important and what playing youth hockey has meant to them.

Teamwork, respect, leadership and character are just a few of the qualities that members of the team say that they learned from youth sports. The video also focuses on the link between youth sports and educational success. Each member of the team is involved in multiple sports so they surely have a great understanding of the importance and impact that youth sports can have. The team will participate in practice with Penguins coaches on February 12th and will attend the Penguins game on February 13th against the Ottawa Senators in a party suite.

“Sports matter to me because it helps me to keep fit, assist my teammates, be reliable and confident, stay focused in school and build friendships. It is building my character for life!” said Jon Burkhart, a defenseman on the team. His teammate, Gavin Crivelli, said that “Sports matter to me because it’s fun. Sometimes I just need to have fun and have friends.”

It’s obvious that playing in the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program has been a great experience for members of the 2005 Black team. Alex Thomas, a forward, said that what he likes about Pens Elite is “all the great coaches and teammates helping and supporting us as players and individuals.” “The chance to play and practice in the same place as the Penguins, and the great coaching and training,” is what defenseman Braeden Steffey appreciates about the program. “We are able to use the nice gym and get to travel to places I haven’t been to play hockey,” said Zach Nacey. “It is a privilege to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program,” said Jon Burkhart. “I love the competition, improving my skills, the gym and building friendships. It is very rewarding.” Aiden Tarasovich echoed the idea that playing in the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program is a fun experience because of the friendships; “I like playing hockey with my friends and representing the Penguins,” he said.

The team is very excited to have won the Sports Matter contest and is looking forward to being able to practice with Penguins coaches. Learning from Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan is a very exciting opportunity for the 2005 Black squad. “I’m looking forward to practicing with Coach Sullivan to see what drills NHL players do for practice and things they do to get better!” said forward Brendan Schooley. Jon Burkhart is also excited to learn from Coach Sullivan and said that he is excited to “learn tips that can improve my game from a two time NHL Stanley Cup coach.” Forward Jake Dembowski said that he is “looking forward to learn from an NHL coach and how he runs a practice.”

“I am excited to go to the game to enjoy watching the best players in the world,” said Alex Thomas referring to the Pittsburgh Penguins game that the team will be attending. “Hanging out with my teammates, watching the game and eating nachos,” is what Aiden Tarasovich is looking forward to at the game. “I am looking forward to the food! And being able to see the game from a great vantage point,” said Braeden Steffey who shares his teammate’s excitement about the food in the party suite.

Congratulations to the 2005 Black Pittsburgh Penguins Elite team on winning the Sports Matter contest!