The Pittsburgh Penguins Elite presented by Dick's Sporting Goods is the only organization in the Midam District to provide Tier 1 National Bound teams for boys and girls at every age level (U14, U16 & U18/U19) -- and not only did the PPE teams represent well at the Midam District tournament, they dominated play from start to finish!

FOUR of the PPE Tier 1 National Bound teams -- U16 Midget Minors and all 3 girls teams U14, U16 and U19 qualified for the USA Hockey National Championship.  To date no other organization in USA Hockey is sending as many teams to their respective National Championships.  

The U14 Girls were the first team officially qualified when they beat the Columblus Blue Jackets 13-1 in the U14 winner-take-all Championship Game.  The girls kept the puck in the Columbus zone most of the game and unfortunately the shut-out (game split by both goalies) was squelched when they managed to get one with less than a minute to play in the game.  The U14s, who are currently ranked #5 on myhockeyrankings look forward to continuing their season in Green Bay!

The U19 Girls had a two-game playoff vs. Culver Academy and Gilmour Academy, two prep programs residing in the Midam District. Game 1 vs. Culver on Friday night was three separate hockey games.  Despite some back and forth play and ultimately dominance by the PPE Girls, the score was tied 0-0 after the 1st.  Then in the 2nd, they continued to dominate play and put more pucks on net -- end of period Pens up 4-0.  However, Culver would not go away quietly and came charging back in the 3rd to come within one.  At 4-3, they pulled their goalie and thankfully we found the empty net to put it out of reach.  On Sat. Culver beat Gilmour in a SO so on Sunday, the PPE 19s needed get at least one point (earned by at least making it to OT).  Thankfully the girls' hard work paid off and they took a 2-0 lead by the ice cut. Game ended at 4-2 with a 2nd EN in as many games.

The U16 Midget Minors later on Sunday became the 3rd PPE to advance by defeating Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0 in the Championship Game.  They advanced to the finals after upsetting the Cleveland Barons 4-2 on Saturday. They also defeated the Vengeance 5-1 and picked up 1 point in the OT loss to Esmark Stars.  

The U16 Girls are the 4th PPE team to qualify for USAH Nationals when they defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-1 in the winner-take-all championship game.  It was dominating hockey throughout the game and the girls deserved the victory.

While the 2000 and Midger Major boys did not advance to USAH Nationals, it should be noted that they both advanced to the Championship Final with strong victories to get there.  The 2000s defeated Indy, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Esmark Stars before losing only 2-1 to a strong Cleveland Barons squad.  They certainly impressed the scouts in attendance with their dominating play on the weekend!

The Midget Majors defeated the Cleveland Lumberjacks, Pittsburgh Predators and Columbus Blue Jackets (#3 ranked team in US) in OT before losing the Finals to #2 ranked Culver Academy.  

All six of the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite boys and girls each played in their respective Championship qualifying game, which is a tremendous feat.  With four teams advancing to the USAH Nationals, we wish all the players the best of luck in Green Bay and Buffalo!