Founded in 1997 as the Pocono Pirates, the organization has grown into one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s longest-standing travel hockey programs. Today, the Jr. Pens provide a competitive pathway from 8U through 18U, combining player development, experienced coaching, sportsmanship, teamwork, and a connection to professional hockey that makes the program uniquely Wilkes-Barre.

This season, the Jr. Pens will field nine travel teams, including AA programs at both 14U and 16U.

But regardless of age level or classification, the mission remains the same:

Develop players the right way.

A Pathway from 8U to 18U

The Jr. Pens enter 2026–27 with representation at every major travel age level from 8U through 18U.

The organization will field:

8U: Low B
10U: A American
12U: A American
12U: B National
14U: AA, A National
12U B National
16U: AA
18U: A National

The depth is particularly evident at 14U, where three teams will compete across AA, A National, and B National.

With AA hockey available at both 14U and 16U, the organization can provide increasingly challenging opportunities as players progress through their developmental years.

That structure reflects the larger philosophy of the Jr. Pens: give players an appropriate place to develop, then continue challenging them as their skills and confidence grow.

Player Development First

Everything within the Jr. Pens organization begins with development.

The coaching staff emphasizes strong skating fundamentals, hockey IQ, individual skill development, confidence, and character.

Practices are designed to challenge players to improve and compete while maintaining a positive learning environment where they can continue enjoying the game.

Winning matters.

Championships matter.

But neither provides the complete measure of a successful youth hockey program.

For the Jr. Pens, success also means preparing players for whatever comes next while developing responsible teammates, leaders, and ambassadors for hockey.

That approach allows development to extend beyond technical skills.

Players aren’t simply being prepared for the next team.

They’re being prepared for the responsibilities that come with growing up through the game.

The Jr. Pens Way

Successful hockey organizations aren’t built on talent alone.

That’s the belief behind what Wilkes-Barre calls The Jr. Pens Way.

The organization’s culture is built around five core values:

Respect.
Accountability.
Teamwork.
Sportsmanship.
Community.

Those principles are intended to guide everything from practices and games to team events and interactions away from the rink.

Players are expected to represent the organization with integrity whether they’re wearing their jerseys or not.

The objective is to create athletes who understand that being part of a team means something — and that how they compete matters just as much as the result.

A Connection to Professional Hockey

There aren’t many youth hockey environments quite like Wilkes-Barre.

Playing out of the Toyota SportsPlex, the Jr. Pens have a longstanding relationship with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, providing families with a direct connection to professional hockey in their own community.

For young players, being surrounded by the professional game can provide another source of inspiration.

They can see where commitment and development can lead while growing within a youth organization that maintains a strong community-first approach.

That combination — local roots with a connection to professional hockey — helps give the Jr. Pens an identity all their own.

Competing from Northeastern Pennsylvania

Geography creates both an identity and a challenge for the Jr. Pens.

The organization is committed to growing hockey locally while regularly competing against clubs from larger and more established hockey markets throughout the DVHL and Mid-Atlantic region.

That challenge isn’t something Wilkes-Barre shies away from.

It’s part of the developmental process.

Strong competition forces players to improve.

It exposes areas that need work.

It rewards preparation and consistency.

And it gives teams an opportunity to measure themselves against quality opponents throughout the season.

For the Jr. Pens, every DVHL weekend presents another opportunity to get better.

Nine Teams. One Standard.

The classifications may differ throughout the organization, but the expectation doesn’t.

Every Jr. Pens player is expected to compete with pride and represent Northeastern Pennsylvania with class.

That means experienced coaches providing structured practices.

Players being challenged appropriately.

Teams competing hard.

And an environment that allows young athletes to build confidence while continuing to love hockey.

The ultimate objective isn’t simply to create successful teams.

It’s to create a sustainable program capable of developing generation after generation of hockey players.

Building Momentum

The word the Jr. Pens have selected for the 2026–27 season is fitting: Momentum.

For an organization approaching its 30th anniversary, momentum doesn’t mean abandoning tradition.

It means building upon it.

The Jr. Pens will continue developing players through quality coaching and age-appropriate instruction while maintaining competitive depth throughout the organization.

They’ll continue challenging themselves against strong DVHL competition.

And they’ll continue representing Northeastern Pennsylvania with pride.

There will be standings, playoff races, tournaments, wins, and losses along the way.

But the organization’s larger goal won’t change based on any single result.

Develop players the right way. Compete with pride. Represent Northeastern Pennsylvania with class.

The Wilkes-Barre Jr. Pens have been doing that since 1997.

In 2026–27, the next generation gets its turn.

Wilkes-Barre Jr. Pens at a Glance
Founded: 1997
Formerly: Pocono Pirates
Travel Teams: 9
Age Levels: 8U through 18U
Highest Level Offered: AA — 14U and 16U
Home Rink: Toyota SportsPlex — Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
League: Delaware Valley Hockey League
Club Colors: Black, Gold, and White

2026–27 Teams

8U: Low B
10U: A American
12U: A American, B National
14U: AA, A National, B National
16U: AA
18U: A National

The Jr. Pens Way

Respect
Accountability
Teamwork
Sportsmanship
Community

Fast Five

Biggest Strength: Player development through experienced coaching, structured practices, and a positive learning environment.
Biggest Challenge: Continuing to grow hockey locally while competing against organizations from larger hockey markets.
Player to Watch: The next generation of Jr. Pens players — athletes throughout the organization continuing to improve through hard work, dedication, and quality coaching.
Toughest Opponent: Every DVHL opponent. Consistency and preparation will be essential every weekend.
One Word for 2026–27: Momentum

What to Watch in 2026–27

The competitive pathway.

With nine teams covering every age division from 8U through 18U and AA opportunities at both 14U and 16U, Wilkes-Barre has created a structure that allows players to continue challenging themselves as they develop.

The question isn’t simply how many games the Jr. Pens will win.

It’s how much better they’ll be when the season ends.

For an organization built on tradition and driven by development, that’s the standard that matters most.