Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh I.C.E. will host its 2nd Annual ‘The Goalie Game’ fundraiser on Friday, February 6 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. The event, presented by UPMC and Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company, returns during the organization’s 25th anniversary season. Pittsburgh I.C.E. (Inclusion Creates Equality) is the region’s only no-cost hockey program.
Local goaltenders, dressed in full head-to-toe goalie gear, will participate in ‘The Goalie Game,’ which will include two periods of hockey, an intermission game featuring Pittsburgh I.C.E. youth hockey players, and a post-game shootout. Members of the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni Association are also set to attend including Ken Wregget, JS Aubin, Ryan Malone, Greg Malone, Christian Hanson, and Matt Bartkowski.
In 2025, this first-time event raised over $63,000 to support Pittsburgh I.C.E., greatly exceeding the initial fundraising goal of $25,000. All proceeds benefit the organization’s mission to provide youth of all socio-economically diverse backgrounds an opportunity to play the game of hockey while using the sport as a platform for positive youth development, academics, and life skills. Through personal fundraising campaigns by the participating goaltenders and generous corporate support, this year’s game has raised over $43,000 to date.
Stanley Cup Champion Ken Wregget, a goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1992 to 1998, will serve as a celebrity coach. He shared, “Last year’s inaugural game was pivotal in raising critical funds for Pittsburgh I.C.E. This program removes barriers so any child who wants to play hockey has access to on-ice training, equipment, mentorship, and a sense of belonging. It’s an honor to support this event again and give back to the kids and families of Pittsburgh I.C.E.”
Ryan Malone, President of the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni Association, added, “The relationship between Pittsburgh I.C.E. and the Penguins Alumni dates back to the organization’s very beginning. Alongside the NHL, the Alumni helped launch Pittsburgh I.C.E., and 25 years later, we’re proud to be back on the ice continuing that commitment and helping the program grow.”
Spectator tickets ($10pp early bird rate) to ‘The Goalie Game’ and a limited number of sponsorship packages are available here. Donations are also being accepted now with the option to give to each participating goaltender’s fundraising page here. In addition, an online auction is set to launch on February 3. Sports memorabilia and unique experiences will be featured including the opportunity for a local youth hockey player to be the DICK’S Sporting Goods Jr. Starter at the Penguins game on April 4, hockey-inspired art from local artists, and autographed items donated by NHL goaltenders from around the league. Follow @pittsburghice on social media for auction updates and to submit your bids.
The 2nd Annual ‘The Goalie Game’ is presented by UPMC and Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company, and is supported by the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni Association, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, The Malone Family Foundation, Pittsburgh Brewing, Schneider Downs, Deep Well Services, P3R, Coen, Confluence Financial Partners, Brentwood Bank, and ProKnitwear.
Pittsburgh I.C.E., formerly called Hockey in the Hood, launched its inaugural season on December 4, 2000, with a grant from the National Hockey League and the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni. The I.C.E. program was developed under the umbrella of the National Hockey League’s Diversity Task Force. Pittsburgh I.C.E. offers children of all socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to learn to play the game of ice hockey. For the past 25 seasons, Pittsburgh I.C.E. programs have provided ice hockey Learn to Play programs, skills development, and competitive opportunities to over 1,500 kids throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Visit pittsburghice.org to learn more.
Media Inquiries: Amanda Susko / 412.337.9184 / amanda@thevieagency.com