Aug 20, 2008 4:41 pm US/Eastern
Therrien Teaches Kids At Penguins Hockey Camp
NEVILLE ISLAND (KDKA) ―
Penguins head coach Michel Therrien was on hand today helping to teach kids about the great sport of hockey.
Children as young as 5-years-old are on the ice for five days at the Sports Center on Neville Island for the Pittsburgh Penguins Youth Hockey School.
They are learning the basics, everything from skating to scoring and some of them really know their stuff.
This year's school is the largest group the Penguins have ever had, a complete sellout.
"I think the older ones really get it, how special it is to be here with this Penguins staff and I think some of the little kids just love being here with the other kids," said parent Tara O'Brien. "They're having a great time."
And there is time for the more fan-oriented things like having your jersey signed by a famous former Penguin. Phil Bourque has been coaching the kids for five years now.
"Not only do I enjoy doing it, playing here as a player back in the 80's and 90's, the city gave me so much and the game gave me so much, really everything I have in my life I owe to the game of hockey," said Bourque, broadcaster and former Penguin. "If I can take five days out of my busy schedule to spend it with these kids it's definitely worth it."
This school is not just for boys, 10-year-old Erin Singletary plays defense, a perfect position when you find out her favorite thing about the sport.
"It's really fun and I like knocking down people," she said.
Meanwhile, Penguins defenseman Rob Scuderi is set to help out with the kids on Thursday.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
