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Penguins program, they can receive head-to-toe hockey gear and learn the game in a fun and organized way.” Thanks to The Pittsburgh Penguins, Dicks Sporting Goods, Reebok, the Penguins Foundation and Sidney Crosby - all participants receive full sets of Reebok SC87 equipment, including skates, stick, helmet, gloves, pants, shoulder pads, shin pads, elbow pads, an equipment bag, as well as an official Little Penguins Jersey and helmet stickers. This program through its popularity is beginning to be emulated from other NHL teams to incorporate in their respective cities. With five extremely successful seasons, the program sells out quickly. The pre-registration period, parents may view information regarding the rinks, starting dates, number of sessions and times of instructional sessions which are listed on the Penguins website. For participant convenience, registration will occur online at pittsburghpenguins.com. “We are extremely excited that we can continue the success of the Little Penguins program for a 5th consecutive year,” said Penguins Executive Director of Strategic Planning Rich Hixon. “One of the goals of this program is to not only get kids to start playing the game but to keep them playing for a lifetime. Currently, our conversion rates are nearly 50% of all participants who continue to play hockey well after this program. To provide children with head-to-toe hockey gear year after year is nothing short of a tribute to the generosity and character of not only Sidney Crosby, but to the efforts of Reebok, Dick’s Sporting Goods and the Penguins Foundation.“ 128