DEK Hockey at the Toyota SportsPlex: Expanding Hockey’s Reach in Northeastern Pennsylvania

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have long been a pillar of the Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) community, not just for their prowess on the ice but for their dedication to community engagement and development. One of their latest undertakings perfectly embodies this commitment. Together with their partners, they’ve brought DEK Hockey—a fast-paced, accessible sport—to the Toyota SportsPlex. This project is more than just hockey on sneakers; it’s a game-changer for community involvement and makes hockey accessible to individuals who might not otherwise get the opportunity to play.

This blog explores what DEK Hockey is, why it’s significant, and how the Penguins’ initiative is fostering physical activity, inclusivity, and teamwork across NEPA.

What is DEK Hockey?

DEK Hockey is a modified version of traditional hockey that trades skates for sneakers and ice for a specially constructed DEK surface. It’s a running game, so players don’t need skating skills, expensive ice hockey equipment, or access to a rink to participate. Players use low-friction hockey balls instead of pucks, which adds to the accessibility of the game for people of all ages and skill levels.

The sport is played strictly on foot, minimizing the entry barriers for participants. All that’s needed to play is a pair of sneakers, a hockey stick, the will to have fun, and the desire to compete. This simplicity allows players of all skill levels to jump right in, making the game ideal for both beginners and seasoned hockey fans looking for a fresh spin on their favorite sport.

The Toyota SportsPlex DEK Rink Unveiling

The DEK Rink at the Toyota SportsPlex was unveiled in October 2022 as part of a collaborative effort by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the City of Wilkes-Barre. This state-of-the-art facility was designed with the goal of making hockey more accessible to everyone, regardless of age, athletic ability, or socioeconomic status.

By removing the requirement for ice time and extensive gear, the DEK Rink opens the door for a wider demographic to experience hockey—a sport that is often perceived as elusive due to cost and logistical challenges. This initiative highlights the Penguins’ dedication to breaking down barriers to sports.

The partnership behind this project represents the larger mission of community investment by both nonprofit and corporate entities. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, for example, is an advocate for physical activity and wellness, while the Penguins organizations are known for using hockey as a catalyst for growth and engagement across Pennsylvania.

Affordable, Inclusive, and Fun

One of the most exciting aspects of DEK Hockey is its affordability. Traditional ice hockey often requires significant upfront costs for equipment, league fees, and access to ice time. DEK Hockey, on the other hand, strips away many of these expenses to offer a game that anyone can play.

This initiative is also inclusive. No skating ability is required, which levels the playing field and removes intimidating factors that might deter beginners. Players range from young kids picking up a hockey stick for the first time to adults looking for a fun way to stay active, and everyone in between.

For families in NEPA, it’s a game-changer. Aspiring young athletes now have a low-cost entry point into hockey, a sport that often has significant barriers to participation. Parents can enroll their children in leagues or camps without worrying about breaking the bank.

Building Teamwork and Physical Fitness

DEK Hockey isn’t just about scoring goals; it’s about fostering teamwork, enhancing physical fitness, and building confidence. The sport’s fast-paced gameplay teaches players how to think quickly, work cohesively with teammates, and improve hand-eye coordination.

For local kids, these lessons extend well beyond the rink. Team sports teach responsibility, leadership, and resilience—qualities they can carry with them in school and everyday life. Additionally, the physical nature of DEK Hockey encourages regular exercise, which is critical in promoting overall wellness in young athletes.

Adults, too, benefit from these aspects. Whether it’s through participating in recreational leagues or joining a DEK Hockey tournament, the sport provides an excellent way to stay active and connected to the community.

Strengthening the Community

The introduction of DEK Hockey to NEPA emphasizes the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins’ dedication to uplifting the local community. The DEK Rink is more than just a sports facility—it’s a space where connections are built, memories are made, and new traditions are born.

Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, the Penguins aim to make the DEK Rink a hub for local involvement. Youth leagues, summer camps, and community tournaments have already begun to engage players from all walks of life.

Programs like these not only attract people to hockey but also create a sense of belonging, particularly for those who may otherwise struggle to find such opportunities.

The Penguins’ Role in Promoting DEK Hockey

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have long been advocates for growing hockey at the grassroots level. Their effort to introduce DEK Hockey aligns closely with their larger mission to bring the joys and lessons of hockey to as many people as possible. By staying actively involved in programs and providing resources for DEK Hockey, they’re ensuring that this initiative has a lasting impact.

It’s also worth noting that the Penguins’ players frequently engage with the community. Their participation in events at the DEK Rink showcases how invested they are in supporting the people who cheer them on at Mohegan Sun Arena. These connections strengthen the relationship between the team and its fanbase and highlight the Penguins’ role as a community-first organization.

Looking Ahead

The DEK Hockey initiative at the Toyota SportsPlex is more than just a short-term project; it’s a long-term investment in the health, wellness, and happiness of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Judging by its immediate success, from packed youth leagues to excited attendees at public sessions, this initiative is already achieving its mission of making the sport more inclusive and engaging for all.

Residents of NEPA now have a place where hockey is not just a spectator sport but a participatory one. Whether you’re a parent introducing your child to hockey for the first time, an adult forming a recreational league team, or simply a fan of the WBS Penguins, the DEK Rink offers something special.

Final Thoughts

With the introduction of DEK Hockey, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have reinforced their role as community leaders and innovators in sports accessibility. By providing an affordable, inclusive, and fun way to play hockey, they’re encouraging a wider audience to fall in love with the game while promoting health, teamwork, and inclusion.

More than just a facility, the DEK Rink represents the Penguins’ belief that hockey—and all its benefits—can and should be available to everyone. And that’s a cause worth celebrating, both on and off the rink.

If you haven’t visited the DEK Rink at the Toyota SportsPlex yet, now’s the time. The sneakers are on, the hockey sticks are ready, and the excitement is waiting for you!