Denis Kirstein [STATS]
Hometown: Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Hockey Experience: Pittsburgh Forge, NAHL (2001-03); Mercyhurst College, NCAA (2003-07); Toledo Storm, ECHL (2007), Youngstown Steelhounds, CHL (Cup of Coffee)
Coaching Experience: Seneca Valley Varsity Hockey, PIHL (2008-Present)
“Kids are so important to me. My parents have been involved in the fostering children program for the last three years and recently adopted a foster child. So at 28, I now have a new 19-month-old brother. On a personal level, I am a ‘Big’ in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization in Erie, PA, which I first got involved with while playing at Mercyhurst College. My ‘Little’ and I have been together for seven years now. It’s great being a positive influence in a 15-year-old’s life.
As a coach, I’ve lead my Varsity team in volunteering at the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, cleaning up the grounds. My players have also participated as Varsity Mentors in the Seneca Valley Developmental Team practices. The SVDT gives young kids in the school district an opportunity to participate in Learn to Play Hockey, on-ice drills and skills sessions with members of the Varsity team. My team also played in the PIHL Outdoor Charity Classic this year and raised more than $4,000 for Juvenile Diabetes.”
Denis and his Varsity players are scheduled to participate in HP4K’s Stick to Reading program this spring at the Seneca Valley elementary schools.
