Hockey in Pittsburgh

[SLY]

Pretty cool article from NHL.com on the emergence of hockey since the early nineties leading to a 2011 draft class rich with talent from the 'Burgh.

Pittsburgh region shines at Entry Draft - 2011 NHL Entry Draft

 

[DChero]

Pretty cool article from NHL.com on the emergence of hockey since the early nineties leading to a 2011 draft class rich with talent from the 'Burgh.

Pittsburgh region shines at Entry Draft - 2011 NHL Entry Draft

It's good to see that the culture is growing more and more. A lot of the generation that we're seeing in the draft/NCAA generation are the kids that got into the sport because of the success that Lemieux had produced in the mid 90's. Having grown up playing hockey in Pittsburgh, we did get a lot of attention from the existing former Penguins players between different camps, school visits, etc.

 

[pixburgher66]

It makes me unbelievably proud to see guys from the area being successful. Heck, Saad is from a rival school district. And the awesome thing is hockey hysteria has only grown since Lemieux. Mario had a big impact on my generation and the years below mine, but the kids growing up now are gonna be even greater in number because now we have the impact of Lemieux, Crosby, and Malkin in the area. We have parents that see it as a good investment in their children, and there's also starting to be more availability with ice. That's the biggest hurdle though, they need some more rinks. At least up north...we have basically one option. If they can get that going, there's tons of talent. Just think of all the great football players that have come from here! Well, if some of those kids use their athletic ability in hockey, we have good talent.

 

[ELYEAH82]

Hopefully if we get one they dont Malone us

 

[flyersfan4706]

IT ALL STARTED WHEN CROSBY WAS DRAFTED!!!!

 

[pixburgher66]

IT ALL STARTED WHEN CROSBY WAS DRAFTED!!!!

I know this is tongue in cheek, but these guys were allllready playin'. However, as much as the fanbase is ripped on because of bandwagoning (which is true to a certain degree), Sid did bring on a lot more interest from kids. Like the article says, Sid's Little Penguins is a big part of that. THOUSANDS of sets of equipment handed out.

 

[ELYEAH82]

IT ALL STARTED WHEN CROSBY WAS DRAFTED!!!!

Rumor has it most of the players drafted started playing Hockey about 5 years ago (Crosby factor). Imagine how good they would be if they started playing at age 4 like some of the Canadians.

 

[SLY]

lol

 

[evolver115]

Nice find sly


The two local papers of Pittsburgh wrote a couple of nice articles as well about how the region set a local record for the most athletes ever signed in one NHL draft. It is very interesting to see how basically one person (Lemieux) can affect so many, for such a long time and for the greater good.

Mario Lemieux is arguably the most consequential figure in Pittsburgh sports in the last 25 years, maybe ever.

 

[ELYEAH82]

Nice find sly


The two local papers of Pittsburgh wrote a couple of nice articles as well about how the region set a local record for the most athletes ever signed in one NHL draft. It is very interesting to see how basically one person (Lemieux) can affect so many, for such a long time and for the greater good.

Mario Lemieux is arguably the most consequential figure in Pittsburgh sports in the last 25 years, maybe ever.

Art Rooney Begs to differ

 

[SLY]

I just can't wait to go to Pittsburgh next seaon for a game... Who is down to get shitty before and after?

 

[ELYEAH82]

I just can't wait to go to Pittsburgh next seaon for a game... Who is down to get shitty before and after?

I wish, I am stationed in Vegas. I am hoping to get an assignment worked out soon to the East coast, but who knows.

 

[SLY]

I wish, I am stationed in Vegas. I am hoping to get an assignment worked out soon to the East coast, but who knows.

Well, I'll bring it up again when the season kicks off. I won't be heading to Pitssburgh till prolly mid season anyway.

Dec. 5th or Mar. 11th

Prolly March 11th caus it is a Sunday, and I could spend the weekend in Pittsburgh.

 

[evolver115]

Art Rooney Begs to differ

Hey, I did put maybe



It's worthy of a debate, though. He rescued the team he was drafted by in more ways than one. Struggled through cancer during his career, only to return... you know the rest of the story...

He's legendary. Like Clemente, Art Rooney and Honus Wagner(the first sports superstar of the burgh), he should be held in a regard that very few individuals ever achieve.

 

[evolver115]

Well, I'll bring it up again when the season kicks off. I won't be heading to Pitssburgh till prolly mid season anyway.

Dec. 5th or Mar. 11th

Prolly March 11th caus it is a Sunday, and I could spend the weekend in Pittsburgh.

I'm planning on making it to a game or two next season. I saw them play, and lose, to the leafs back in October. Luckily, Engelland rearranged Orr's face to make the defeat easier to stomach

If I can make it back to see a boston v pittsburgh game with the SportsHoopla crew, that would be awesome

 

[SLY]

Well... I am def game to plan something for March 11th. Not sure about the other B's fans on here, but I am a traveller.

 

[ELYEAH82]

Hey, I did put maybe



It's worthy of a debate, though. He rescued the team he was drafted by in more ways than one. Struggled through cancer during his career, only to return... you know the rest of the story...

He's legendary. Like Clemente, Art Rooney and Honus Wagner(the first sports superstar of the burgh), he should be held in a regard that very few individuals ever achieve.

I get it, but he also helped put the Pens in financial hardship signing a huge deal in 1992 and collected while not playing.

 

[pixburgher66]

I think that Mario is probably tied with Chief. Chief made the Steelers what they are today, but chances are that someone else would've bought the team and kept them in the area. Chief's affect on the area is hard to dispute though. He was the saving grace (along with the Steelers) in the 70's when the city NEEDED that team more than ever. But, Mario IS Pittsburgh. He was not only a life time Penguin, superstar, Stanley Cup Champion, Conn Smyth winner, Art Ross, Hart Trophy, leader of President's Trophy winning, arguably best PLAYER to ever lace them up...but he then came in and saved the team from bankruptcy and lobbied years after that to keep them in town and get a new arena, as well as being part of orchestrating a third Cup. Maybe it's because time has passed since Chief passed, but I think Mario has had a bigger impact because he's a player AND owner.

 

[pixburgher66]

I get it, but he also helped put the Pens in financial hardship signing a huge deal in 1992 and collected while not playing.

...and used that money to then purchase the team. SOoooo...it works.

 

[pixburgher66]

And as an owner player, it's not like he was really making money.