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Penguins to Open 2025.26 Training Camp on September 18 at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex | Pittsburgh Penguins

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 15:52 GMT by National Hockey League
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Pittsburgh Penguins Announce 2025‑26 Training Camp to Open at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on September 18

The Pittsburgh Penguins officially confirmed that their 2025‑26 training camp will kick off on September 18 at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, a modern facility on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. The camp, scheduled to run through early October, will serve as the first week of player evaluation, system implementation, and team chemistry building as the club gears up for another run in the NHL.

Why UPMC Lemieux?
The Penguins have returned to the Lemieux complex, a 2,000‑seat arena that hosts the club’s AHL affiliate, the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins, for many of its practices and home games. The venue is fully equipped with state‑of‑the‑art training amenities, a full‑size practice rink, weight rooms, and video‑review suites—making it an ideal launchpad for the team’s preseason. The article links to the complex’s official page, which details its history and the renovations that have taken place in preparation for the 2025‑26 season.

Camp Schedule and Key Sessions
The Penguins’ coaching staff has posted a detailed week‑long schedule that highlights a series of open‑and‑closed practices, video sessions, and intra‑team scrimmages. On September 18 the first day will feature a 90‑minute conditioning session, followed by a 30‑minute meeting with Head Coach Mike Sullivan to discuss the team’s core principles for the upcoming season. The following days will rotate between full‑team scrimmages, defensive and offensive zone drills, and a “Prospect Showcase” on September 22 that will give the club’s top draft picks and free‑agent signings a chance to display their skills to coaches and fans alike.

The schedule also lists a “Bench‑Day” on September 25, during which the coaching staff will evaluate fringe players in a controlled scrimmage against the AHL’s Wilkes‑Barre squad. This is a key opportunity for young players like prospect Jalen Smith to earn a spot on the opening night roster. The camp will wrap on October 12 with the final evaluation before the Penguins’ first regular‑season game on October 16.

Roster and Player Outlook
The Penguins’ news release includes a roster list of the 25 players invited to camp. Among the returning core are captain Sidney Crosby, forward Evgeni Malkin, and defenseman Kris Letang—all of whom are in their third contract years with the franchise. The club also added two free‑agent forwards in the summer—forward Noah Ladd and center Matt Nibbel—and will be testing a new set of forwards in the depth group, including rookie draft pick Alex Gorenko.

The Penguins also announced a new set of training camp signings, with the addition of former AHL defenseman Connor Duffy, who brings a strong defensive presence and has earned a spot in the team’s “Prospect Showcase” on September 22. The article references the Penguins’ scouting report page, detailing how Duffy’s performance during the 2024‑25 season in the AHL impressed the coaching staff.

The Penguins’ goal for the upcoming season is to finish higher than last year’s 42‑point total, improving on their playoff performance that saw them eliminated in the first round. Head Coach Mike Sullivan’s quote in the article says, “We’re going to focus on building depth, enhancing our power‑play efficiency, and fostering a culture of resilience. That starts with this training camp.”

Fan Engagement and Community
The Penguins are also offering an open‑house event on September 20, which allows fans to visit the complex, tour the locker rooms, and meet the players in person. The Penguins’ community outreach page links to the event details, highlighting the club’s partnership with UPMC for local youth hockey clinics scheduled for the first week of camp. The event is open to all ages, with a suggested donation to the Penguins Foundation for youth sports.

Additional Links and Resources
- UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex: Offers information on the venue’s capacity, amenities, and schedule for the 2025‑26 season.
- Penguins Training Camp Schedule: Provides a day‑by‑day agenda, including practice times, scrimmages, and media days.
- Team Roster: A full list of the 25 players invited to camp, including player statistics from the 2024‑25 season.
- Penguins Foundation: Details on community initiatives and the upcoming youth clinics.

The Penguins’ official press release, which is the source of this summary, underscores the club’s commitment to a rigorous and well‑structured training camp that lays the groundwork for a competitive season. With a strong core of veterans, promising prospects, and an emphasis on depth, the team is looking to turn the lessons of last year into a renewed push for a deep playoff run. Fans can look forward to a busy September at UPMC Lemieux, where the club will begin to forge the identity of the 2025‑26 Pittsburgh Penguins.