Coaches

Lee Penascino - Coach, SHAHA Girls Hockey Program

Lee Penascino, with a lifelong passion for hockey that began at a young age, brings an extensive background in the sport to his dual roles within the SHAHA organization. As a coach for the SHAHA Girls Hockey Program and the Director of Development and Placements, Lee's deep-rooted experience in hockey and his commitment to the development of young athletes are invaluable assets to the community.

His playing journey, which included significant contributions to the Mt. Lebanon Hornets and collegiate competition with Mercyhurst College's ACHA Division 1 team from 1999 to 2003, provided Lee with a solid foundation in the sport. These experiences, combined with his early start in hockey, have equipped him with a broad understanding of player development and the pathways to success in the sport.

As a Level 4 USA Hockey Certified coach, Lee has demonstrated his commitment to coaching excellence through his roles with SHAHA, including three years as a head coach for coed teams and two years specifically focusing on the development of the 12u Girls team. His coaching philosophy emphasizes skill building, teamwork, and instilling a love for the game, all while fostering an environment where young athletes can thrive.

In his strategic role as the Director of Development and Placements, Lee works tirelessly to ensure that SHAHA athletes have the opportunities and resources they need to reach their potential. His efforts in this capacity focus on creating pathways for player advancement, overseeing developmental programs, and ensuring that SHAHA's young athletes are placed in environments where they can succeed and grow, both on and off the ice.

A lifelong Pittsburgh (South Hills) resident and a hockey parent to two daughters in the SHAHA program, Lee's personal and professional life is deeply intertwined with the local hockey community. His comprehensive approach to development, his extensive experience as a player and coach, and his leadership within SHAHA underscore his dedication to enhancing the sport for future generations. Lee Penascino's contributions to SHAHA and his vision for its athletes set a standard for excellence and community engagement in youth hockey.

Denis Kirstein - Coach, Girls Program

Denis Kirstein brings an extensive background in hockey, both on and off the ice, to his role as a coach with the Girls program. As a father of four daughters and a resident of Bethel Park, Denis is deeply rooted in the community and embodies the family values that are essential to youth sports.

A proud alumnus of SHAHA, Denis has given back to the program as an assistant coach for both the BY2014 team and the 12U Girls team, demonstrating his commitment to developing young talent across genders. His expertise is recognized with a USA Hockey Level 4 coaching certification, and he has dedicated the last five seasons to coaching within the SHAHA organization.

Denis's coaching experience is further highlighted by his previous roles as the head coach for Seneca Valley and Upper St. Clair Varsity hockey teams in the PIHL. However, his knowledge of the game is not just limited to coaching; Denis has enjoyed a distinguished playing career as well. He skated professionally with the Youngstown Steelhounds of the CHL and the Toledo Storm of the ECHL, and he competed at the NCAA Division I level with the Mercyhurst College Lakers, where he was a four-time Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team honoree.

Before his professional and collegiate achievements, Denis was a standout player for the Pittsburgh Hornets and the Bethel Park Blackhawks, further cementing his local legacy, which was recognized with his induction into the 2010 Bethel Park Sports Hall of Fame.

Off the ice, Denis is just as committed to his community, serving as a volunteer for Big Brother/Big Sister, showcasing his dedication to mentorship and positive role modeling. With his comprehensive experience, family-focused approach, and passion for hockey, Denis Kirstein is an invaluable addition to the coaching staff of the Girls team.