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.

Ellyn Stanton - Coach, SHAHA Girls Hockey Program

Ellyn Stanton brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the SHAHA Girls Hockey Program, with a coaching and playing career that spans over two decades. As a former goaltender for the Steel City Selects, Ellyn showcased her skills and determination on the ice, which led her to play at the collegiate level with Adrian College's D1 ACHA team.

Following her graduation, Ellyn transitioned into coaching, applying her knowledge and passion for the game to help develop the next generation of players. She returned to Adrian College for the 2016-2017 season as an Assistant Coach, where she contributed to the team's strategy and development, leveraging her firsthand experience as a former player to guide and mentor the goaltenders and skaters alike.

Ellyn's expertise was further recognized on the international stage when she served as the Video Coordinator for the 2019 USA Women’s University hockey team during their competition in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. In this role, she was instrumental in analyzing game footage and developing strategies, showcasing her ability to contribute to team success behind the scenes.

Most recently, Ellyn has been at the forefront of youth hockey development, serving as the head coach for the Mon Valley U12 Girls team in the 2021-2022 season, and for both the U12 and U14 Girls teams in Morgantown during the 2022-2023 season. Her leadership and coaching philosophy have been pivotal in fostering a positive and competitive environment for young female athletes, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

As a coach within the SHAHA Girls Hockey Program, Ellyn Stanton's extensive playing and coaching background, combined with her dedication to promoting women's hockey, positions her as an inspiring role model and mentor for aspiring hockey players. Her commitment to excellence and development ensures that the SHAHA Girls Hockey Program is poised for success and growth under her guidance.

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.