OT--Hockeyville, USA

[upj87]

Anyone happen to watch the Pens/Lightning exhibition game on NBCSports last night from Hockeyville, USA (aka Johnstown)? Tribute to the town's selection as such and a tribute to the classic that is Slapshot.I know I am a homer here but it was pretty cool. Had their "A" broadcast team. Costas interviewing the Hanson brothers and telling the tale of working for Syracuse when the real Oggie Oglethorpe was on that team. Doc Emrick wearing a blow dried wig with a checkered leisure suit. Packed house by the locals and an enjoyable event to watch...Shame that Crosby felt he was above it all and could not manage to show up and skate a line or two...Malkin wearing taped Hanson glasses during the pregame skate around was pretty funny...

 

[bwh05]

A great event. Not sure why you felt the need to blast Sid, the Penguins decided who would play since they had 3 games in 3 days.

 

[upj87]

A great event. Not sure why you felt the need to blast Sid, the Penguins decided who would play since they had 3 games in 3 days.

Blast is a little strong and not much more than what was noted by the crew doing the game...He could have at least showed up and signed a few autographs etc. as this was not just another preseason game and a little bit of an NHL type of public relations deal....

 

[Pitt79]

Blast is a little strong and not much more than what was noted by the crew doing the game...He could have at least showed up and signed a few autographs etc. as this was not just another preseason game and a little bit of an NHL type of public relations deal....

I felt the same way, Stamkos and Malkin played, Sid and Kessell didn't, so they deserve RIPPED HARD, miss another game in a conventional city, this was special for an NHL preseason game. the 1st teamers should have been there just to make it FUN for the locals.

 

[pittdan77]

Thought NBCSN did a fantastic job with the broadcast. Besides the homage to Slapshot, there was a good bit of local hockey history too. Had a lot of fun watching a meaningless preseason game.

Also, I know Crosby isn't obligated but it would have been a really cool gesture to make an appearance.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Crosby (and Kessell) played the night before, in a sort of similar type of game in Quebec City. Why on earth would any Penguin fan have wanted them to play the night before in Quebec and then have to get to Podunksville, PA for a game the following night?

The game in Quebec opening up a new arena that will someday (probably pretty soon) be the host of an NHL team is every bit as important in the grand scheme of things for the NHL than the game in Johnstown that was nothing more than a promotional venture for the NHL. In fact to say "every bit as important" is incorrect. The game in Quebec was obviously much more important in the grand scheme of things than the game in Johnstown. And oh, yeah, the Penguins had already scheduled the other two games of the three games in a row long before the NHL even asked the Pens to play in the Johnstown game. The fact is the people in Johnstown should feel lucky that the Pens even agreed to play that game in the first place, because playing that game was clearly NOT in the Penguins best interest.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

I would normally agree with you but I just can't in this instance.

Let's be honest here and acknowledge that it is preseason hockey. Crosby and Kessel could've easily played two games in two nights. Skate a few shifts and take it easy – there would have been no compelling reason to go full blast.

If they had to choose between the two, they should've chosen to serve their own fan base, not someone else's fan base. Also, with the game being broadcast on NBCSN, it would've helped promote the game in America, where it needs it, not in Canada, where it definitely does not need it.

I would probably feel differently about it – but only slightly so – if the game were played in an area that was not clearly Penguins territory. If the game was played in Minnesota or Michigan or Massachusetts I may have felt differently. However, there are plenty of people in Johnstown who regularly make the two hour drive to Pittsburgh to attend Penguins home games in person. There are many more people in that area that would love to do that but can't afford to do it or who can't get off work in time to make that long drive to and from Pittsburgh. Those people watch the games religiously on television. They deserved their moment in the sun in their arena. It would've meant a hell of a lot to them to say they once saw Sidney Crosby play at the War Memorial.

I think as a rule the Penguins are masterful when it to comes to public relations. They do not miss him too many tricks. However, last night was clearly a misstep on the PR front and NBC repeatedly (and justifiably) blasted the team for it. That is not a good look and it was an unnecessary blackeye. At the end of the day I don't think it is all that big of a deal. However, it was definitely a missed opportunity by the Penguins and Sidney Crosby.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

But, isn't Crosbyserving his home country?

I'd suggest he's rightfully more interested in promoting a new hockey franchise in Canada, than a refurbished minor league rink?
Their fans got their gift of a fixed up rink.. Let's not talk about what more they are entitled to.

 

[upj87]

Crosby (and Kessell) played the night before, in a sort of similar type of game in Quebec City. Why on earth would any Penguin fan have wanted them to play the night before in Quebec and then have to get to Podunksville, PA for a game the following night?

The game in Quebec opening up a new arena that will someday (probably pretty soon) be the host of an NHL team is every bit as important in the grand scheme of things for the NHL than the game in Johnstown that was nothing more than a promotional venture for the NHL. In fact to say "every bit as important" is incorrect. The game in Quebec was obviously much more important in the grand scheme of things than the game in Johnstown. And oh, yeah, the Penguins had already scheduled the other two games of the three games in a row long before the NHL even asked the Pens to play in the Johnstown game. The fact is the people in Johnstown should feel lucky that the Pens even agreed to play that game in the first place, because playing that game was clearly NOT in the Penguins best interest.

Crosby (and Kessell) played the night before, in a sort of similar type of game in Quebec City. Why on earth would any Penguin fan have wanted them to play the night before in Quebec and then have to get to Podunksville, PA for a game the following night?

The game in Quebec opening up a new arena that will someday (probably pretty soon) be the host of an NHL team is every bit as important in the grand scheme of things for the NHL than the game in Johnstown that was nothing more than a promotional venture for the NHL. In fact to say "every bit as important" is incorrect. The game in Quebec was obviously much more important in the grand scheme of things than the game in Johnstown. And oh, yeah, the Penguins had already scheduled the other two games of the three games in a row long before the NHL even asked the Pens to play in the Johnstown game. The fact is the people in Johnstown should feel lucky that the Pens even agreed to play that game in the first place, because playing that game was clearly NOT in the Penguins best interest.

Podunksville, really? Paul Newman felt differently.....Actually choose not to speak French there and therefore tops Quebec right there....

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

I'll assume you've never been to Quebec... Because it's an awesome and beautiful city.
And yes, they speak English as well.

 

[OriginalEther]

NBC would find a way to jeer the Penguins anyways, so I could care less about appeasing them.

There's little need for Crosby to have played in that game. Why expose him?
It's a non issue.

 

[Pitt79]

NBC would find a way to jeer the Penguins anyways, so I could care less about appeasing them.

There's little need for Crosby to have played in that game. Why expose him?
It's a non issue.

Expose him to what?

 

[crony2002]

I would normally agree with you but I just can't in this instance.

Let's be honest here and acknowledge that it is preseason hockey. Crosby and Kessel could've easily played two games in two nights. Skate a few shifts and take it easy – there would have been no compelling reason to go full blast.

If they had to choose between the two, they should've chosen to serve their own fan base, not someone else's fan base. Also, with the game being broadcast on NBCSN, it would've helped promote the game in America, where it needs it, not in Canada, where it definitely does not need it.

I would probably feel differently about it – but only slightly so – if the game were played in an area that was not clearly Penguins territory. If the game was played in Minnesota or Michigan or Massachusetts I may have felt differently. However, there are plenty of people in Johnstown who regularly make the two hour drive to Pittsburgh to attend Penguins home games in person. There are many more people in that area that would love to do that but can't afford to do it or who can't get off work in time to make that long drive to and from Pittsburgh. Those people watch the games religiously on television. They deserved their moment in the sun in their arena. It would've meant a hell of a lot to them to say they once saw Sidney Crosby play at the War Memorial.

I think as a rule the Penguins are masterful when it to comes to public relations. They do not miss him too many tricks. However, last night was clearly a misstep on the PR front and NBC repeatedly (and justifiably) blasted the team for it. That is not a good look and it was an unnecessary blackeye. At the end of the day I don't think it is all that big of a deal. However, it was definitely a missed opportunity by the Penguins and Sidney Crosby.

Except that Crosby didn't play in Quebec....so he should have been in J-town to at least sign autographs.

 

[OriginalEther]

Expose him to what?

Injury.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Except that Crosby didn't play in Quebec....so he should have been in J-town to at least sign autographs.

I agree.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Injury.

That's a pretty minor consideration for preseason hockey. He would have been fine.

Again, I don't want to turn this into a federal case. It was a minor mistake, IMHO. However, it was still a mistake.

 

[wbrpanther]

Anyone happen to watch the Pens/Lightning exhibition game on NBCSports last night from Hockeyville, USA (aka Johnstown)? Tribute to the town's selection as such and a tribute to the classic that is Slapshot.I know I am a homer here but it was pretty cool. Had their "A" broadcast team. Costas interviewing the Hanson brothers and telling the tale of working for Syracuse when the real Oggie Oglethorpe was on that team. Doc Emrick wearing a blow dried wig with a checkered leisure suit. Packed house by the locals and an enjoyable event to watch...Shame that Crosby felt he was above it all and could not manage to show up and skate a line or two...Malkin wearing taped Hanson glasses during the pregame skate around was pretty funny...

Crosby wanted to play and Johnston nixed it. Crosby played Monday and Wednesday and they have another game tomorrow. That whole NBC production was great. I was impressed by how all the young players who were not even born when the movie came out reacted to the real Hansons and how they all had stories of how much they loved Slap Shot and being in the actual building. Costas was there talking about announcing for the Syracuse Blazers in the North American league finals in '74, the series that inspired the movies. Had to laugh when Millbury siad that Slap shot wasn't a comedy but a "documentary", that's how close to reality it was. I grew up around Johnstown Hockey and the stories are legendary.

 

[OriginalEther]

That's a pretty minor consideration for preseason hockey. He would have been fine.

Maybe. But again why take the risk in a meaningless preseason game?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

There is no doubt Crosby should have played. He should have sat in Quebec City. It was a special game for a struggling town in West Central PA, clearly "Penguins Territory." Who gives an eff about Quebec City. Crosby playing there and not in Johnstown is a really stupid decision. But its the Pens and its Crosby so we cant say anything bad.

 

[wbrpanther]

I would normally agree with you but I just can't in this instance.

Let's be honest here and acknowledge that it is preseason hockey. Crosby and Kessel could've easily played two games in two nights. Skate a few shifts and take it easy – there would have been no compelling reason to go full blast.

If they had to choose between the two, they should've chosen to serve their own fan base, not someone else's fan base. Also, with the game being broadcast on NBCSN, it would've helped promote the game in America, where it needs it, not in Canada, where it definitely does not need it.

I would probably feel differently about it – but only slightly so – if the game were played in an area that was not clearly Penguins territory. If the game was played in Minnesota or Michigan or Massachusetts I may have felt differently. However, there are plenty of people in Johnstown who regularly make the two hour drive to Pittsburgh to attend Penguins home games in person. There are many more people in that area that would love to do that but can't afford to do it or who can't get off work in time to make that long drive to and from Pittsburgh. Those people watch the games religiously on television. They deserved their moment in the sun in their arena. It would've meant a hell of a lot to them to say they once saw Sidney Crosby play at the War Memorial.

I think as a rule the Penguins are masterful when it to comes to public relations. They do not miss him too many tricks. However, last night was clearly a misstep on the PR front and NBC repeatedly (and justifiably) blasted the team for it. That is not a good look and it was an unnecessary blackeye. At the end of the day I don't think it is all that big of a deal. However, it was definitely a missed opportunity by the Penguins and Sidney Crosby.

I would normally agree with you but I just can't in this instance.

Let's be honest here and acknowledge that it is preseason hockey. Crosby and Kessel could've easily played two games in two nights. Skate a few shifts and take it easy – there would have been no compelling reason to go full blast.

If they had to choose between the two, they should've chosen to serve their own fan base, not someone else's fan base. Also, with the game being broadcast on NBCSN, it would've helped promote the game in America, where it needs it, not in Canada, where it definitely does not need it.

I would probably feel differently about it – but only slightly so – if the game were played in an area that was not clearly Penguins territory. If the game was played in Minnesota or Michigan or Massachusetts I may have felt differently. However, there are plenty of people in Johnstown who regularly make the two hour drive to Pittsburgh to attend Penguins home games in person. There are many more people in that area that would love to do that but can't afford to do it or who can't get off work in time to make that long drive to and from Pittsburgh. Those people watch the games religiously on television. They deserved their moment in the sun in their arena. It would've meant a hell of a lot to them to say they once saw Sidney Crosby play at the War Memorial.

I think as a rule the Penguins are masterful when it to comes to public relations. They do not miss him too many tricks. However, last night was clearly a misstep on the PR front and NBC repeatedly (and justifiably) blasted the team for it. That is not a good look and it was an unnecessary blackeye. At the end of the day I don't think it is all that big of a deal. However, it was definitely a missed opportunity by the Penguins and Sidney Crosby.

Milbury was very negative about Crosby not playing but it is common knowledge that Milbury has hated the Pens since he was coaching the Bruins and never misses a chance to blast them.

The main point here is that Crosby wanted to go to Johnstown and play and Johnston would not let him. So if there is blame to throw around let's throw it at the administration.

 

[wbrpanther]

Except that Crosby didn't play in Quebec....so he should have been in J-town to at least sign autographs.

This I agree with. Crosby should have been there to mix with the crowd.

 

[Jakey_John]

Evgeni Malkin was there and he wore taped glasses. That is what NBC should have made a big deal about. Shame on Crosby and the Pens organization for having them there. However, NBC hasn't a clue how to market hockey ( as evidenced by Roenick, Milbury and their other biased idiot announcers) and decided it better to slam Crosby than to showcase how neat this event was. Hockey cannot get out of its own way and this was a prime example.

 

[bwh05]

It's really amazing that Mike Milbury has a job with a real network.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Maybe. But again why take the risk in a meaningless preseason game?

Why take that risk in any preseason game?

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Milbury was very negative about Crosby not playing but it is common knowledge that Milbury has hated the Pens since he was coaching the Bruins and never misses a chance to blast them.

The main point here is that Crosby wanted to go to Johnstown and play and Johnston would not let him. So if there is blame to throw around let's throw it at the administration.

Oh, I don't care who is to blame. Also, again, it's not the end of the world by any means. We have already debated it for too long.

I'm just saying what SMF said; we had a chance to take care of a struggling WPA town that has supported the franchise through thick and thin and had this once in a lifetime shot in the arm. We could have really played that up and catered to them. Instead we blew it, it's just that simple. For comparison's sake, Tampa Bay did bring most of its best players and good for them for doing so. They won the PR battle on Wednesday night, there's no question about that.

It's not the worst thing the Pens have ever done and it is not an unforgivable sin or anything like that. However, neither was it the right decision by whomever made it.

As someone said earlier, even if you didn't want to play Crosby, why not have him on hand to meet the fans and grant a few media interviews.

NBCSN may hate the Penguins - and Milbury is ridiculously open in his contempt for all things Pittsburgh. However, the truth is we make a LOT of money off that relationship and we probably weren't the best partners in that regard either.

Honestly, we screwed up there, plain and simple.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

NBCSN cared that Crosby didn't play for one and only one reason. They were showing the game. If the game wasn't on NBCSN not only would none of those guys have complained about Crosby not being there, most of them probably never would have known at all.

If the people of Johnstown want to see Sidney Crosby play hockey they have 41 chances to watch him play in real, meaningful games starting next week. They've had the chance to see him play for the better part of a decade now. It isn't the Penguins job to deliver Crosby to Johnstown so all these huge Penguins fans who live a short drive away from Pittsburgh can see a player that they love but apparently haven't managed to make a short drive on some random Saturday evening to see in person.

The Penguins one and only priority for exhibition games is to get players ready for the real games. If that means Crosby sits out some random game then so be it. If it means he plays and ends up on the ice for 30 minutes, so be it. But getting him (and everyone else) ready for the regular season is the ONLY thing they should have been concerned with. Something that, incidentally, agreeing to play the game in Johnstown helped screw up.

 

[wbrpanther]

It's really amazing that Mike Milbury has a job with a real network.

Yeah, he is a shmuck.

 

[YourPittDanceTeam]

I know that this may difficult for some of you to accept, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are NOT the wonderful organization that you guys think they are. They are a very self-centered egotistical group of people who are only worried about one thing...their bottom line. Everything this organization does is related to that. Why do you think that UPMC and the Penguins built the new facility in Cranberry??? People think that it was built to help promote the growth of youth hockey the city's NHL team, sadly that wasn't the case. It was built by UPMC and the Penguins because...UPMC wanted to get their claws into the Cranberry area with the hope that down the road (within a couple of years) they can build a UPMC North hospital in the area. The Penguins involvement revolves around the fact that they are making a move to "take over" youth hockey in the Pittsburgh area. They want nothing more to attract the top "local players" to join their Pens Elite program which cost each of those families tens of thousands of dollars each year.
Knowing this, it does not surprise me that Crosby didn't play in Johnstown last night. Should he have??? IMO yes, but I'm pretty sure that was a management decision. A bad one, but not Crosby's.
One other thing and I'm sure that the Penguins are aware of this and most of us aren't...but in the eyes of a number of retail chains, the Johnstown area is considered the territory of the Philadelphia Flyers and Flyers merchandise is sold in the stores like Penguins merchandise is sold here.

 

[ChooChoo Panther]

Anyone happen to watch the Pens/Lightning exhibition game on NBCSports last night from Hockeyville, USA (aka Johnstown)? Tribute to the town's selection as such and a tribute to the classic that is Slapshot.I know I am a homer here but it was pretty cool. Had their "A" broadcast team. Costas interviewing the Hanson brothers and telling the tale of working for Syracuse when the real Oggie Oglethorpe was on that team. Doc Emrick wearing a blow dried wig with a checkered leisure suit. Packed house by the locals and an enjoyable event to watch...Shame that Crosby felt he was above it all and could not manage to show up and skate a line or two...Malkin wearing taped Hanson glasses during the pregame skate around was pretty funny...

I grew up in Johnstown and haven't lived anywhere near it for 40 years. As I kid, I went to many Jets game. I recall the line of Don Hall, Dick Roberge and Kenny Coombes (I think). After a game, one of them gave me a hockey stick.

Years later, I was visiting Johnstown from Illinois when the filming wrapped up. There was a bar in the downtown hotel (Holiday Inn?) where the actors were drinking and making up songs, playing guitar and having fun. Michael Ontkean (the one who skated around in his jock) and Jerry Houser were there among others. I specifically remember one of the made up lyrics "we're getting $hit-faced in Johnstown."

I had some friends and cousins in the movie. One had a small line, "You've been had. That's his wife!"

The roomer was that Paul Newman always had a case of Coors on hand, which I don't think you could buy anywhere east of the Mississippi back then.

Anyway, great watch for me!
ChooChoo

 

[ChooChoo Panther]

I know that this may difficult for some of you to accept, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are NOT the wonderful organization that you guys think they are. They are a very self-centered egotistical group of people who are only worried about one thing...their bottom line. Everything this organization does is related to that. Why do you think that UPMC and the Penguins built the new facility in Cranberry??? People think that it was built to help promote the growth of youth hockey the city's NHL team, sadly that wasn't the case. It was built by UPMC and the Penguins because...UPMC wanted to get their claws into the Cranberry area with the hope that down the road (within a couple of years) they can build a UPMC North hospital in the area. The Penguins involvement revolves around the fact that they are making a move to "take over" youth hockey in the Pittsburgh area. They want nothing more to attract the top "local players" to join their Pens Elite program which cost each of those families tens of thousands of dollars each year.
Knowing this, it does not surprise me that Crosby didn't play in Johnstown last night. Should he have??? IMO yes, but I'm pretty sure that was a management decision. A bad one, but not Crosby's.
One other thing and I'm sure that the Penguins are aware of this and most of us aren't...but in the eyes of a number of retail chains, the Johnstown area is considered the territory of the Philadelphia Flyers and Flyers merchandise is sold in the stores like Penguins merchandise is sold here.

I wasn't aware of Flyer merchandise in Johnstown. Phily is like 240 miles from there while Johnstown is about 65.

ChooChoo

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

I cannot believe this is a big deal. Holy Cowl. Sid can never do anything right, and when he shows up he is jeered and booed and blasting by NBC anyway.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

I cannot believe this is a big deal. Holy Cowl. Sid can never do anything right, and when he shows up he is jeered and booed and blasting by NBC anyway.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Paul Newman felt differently.....Actually choose not to speak French there

Well then Paul Newman and I have something in common, because of all the times I've ever been in Johnstown I have never spoken French there either.

 

[LVram81]

I know that this may difficult for some of you to accept, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are NOT the wonderful organization that you guys think they are. They are a very self-centered egotistical group of people who are only worried about one thing...their bottom line. Everything this organization does is related to that. Why do you think that UPMC and the Penguins built the new facility in Cranberry??? People think that it was built to help promote the growth of youth hockey the city's NHL team, sadly that wasn't the case. It was built by UPMC and the Penguins because...UPMC wanted to get their claws into the Cranberry area with the hope that down the road (within a couple of years) they can build a UPMC North hospital in the area. The Penguins involvement revolves around the fact that they are making a move to "take over" youth hockey in the Pittsburgh area. They want nothing more to attract the top "local players" to join their Pens Elite program which cost each of those families tens of thousands of dollars each year.
Knowing this, it does not surprise me that Crosby didn't play in Johnstown last night. Should he have??? IMO yes, but I'm pretty sure that was a management decision. A bad one, but not Crosby's.
One other thing and I'm sure that the Penguins are aware of this and most of us aren't...but in the eyes of a number of retail chains, the Johnstown area is considered the territory of the Philadelphia Flyers and Flyers merchandise is sold in the stores like Penguins merchandise is sold here.

I live in Johnstown. Crosby should have been here, even if he didn't play. And you WILL NOT find one single piece of Flyer merchandise in Johnstown, unless it's on a clearance rack at some discount store.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

NBCSN cared that Crosby didn't play for one and only one reason. They were showing the game. If the game wasn't on NBCSN not only would none of those guys have complained about Crosby not being there, most of them probably never would have known at all.

Yes, of course that's right. However, they WERE showing the game and they are our most important media partner. They are directly responsible for us being able to afford guys like Sidney Crosby. We should have made more of an effort to accommodate such an important business partner.

If the people of Johnstown want to see Sidney Crosby play hockey they have 41 chances to watch him play in real, meaningful games starting next week. They've had the chance to see him play for the better part of a decade now. It isn't the Penguins job to deliver Crosby to Johnstown so all these huge Penguins fans who live a short drive away from Pittsburgh can see a player that they love but apparently haven't managed to make a short drive on some random Saturday evening to see in person.

Why would you presume that? Nobody has said that. What people are saying is it would've provided those mostly loyal fans - most of whom I would guess have made that drive to Pittsburgh to watch the Penguins play - with The unique opportunity to see one of the games greatest players ever play in their little tiny rink that is in the heart of the postage stamp of a town.

But you are right, F those guys.

The Penguins one and only priority for exhibition games is to get players ready for the real games. If that means Crosby sits out some random game then so be it. If it means he plays and ends up on the ice for 30 minutes, so be it. But getting him (and everyone else) ready for the regular season is the ONLY thing they should have been concerned with. Something that, incidentally, agreeing to play the game in Johnstown helped screw up.

So then why did we even agree to play in Johnstown at all? I mean if it was as strictly utilitarian is you are insisting, why distract the team by making them bus two hours east for an inconsequential game?

Why not let two other NHL teams play there?

I think we all know the answer to that, don't we?

We are not always going to have talents like Crosby and Malkin. There are going to be lean years ahead just as there have been lean years in the past. When we encounter them – and we absolutely will – we are going to need all the help we can get to sell tickets.

The other night the Penguins missed an opportunity to pay back some of its fans for the loyalty they have shown the organization over the years. Instead, they shit the bed, pure and simple. You and a few others may disagree but truthfully, I don't even think it's close.

 

[pitt-girl]

I know that this may difficult for some of you to accept, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are NOT the wonderful organization that you guys think they are. They are a very self-centered egotistical group of people who are only worried about one thing...their bottom line. Everything this organization does is related to that. Why do you think that UPMC and the Penguins built the new facility in Cranberry??? People think that it was built to help promote the growth of youth hockey the city's NHL team, sadly that wasn't the case. It was built by UPMC and the Penguins because...UPMC wanted to get their claws into the Cranberry area with the hope that down the road (within a couple of years) they can build a UPMC North hospital in the area. The Penguins involvement revolves around the fact that they are making a move to "take over" youth hockey in the Pittsburgh area. They want nothing more to attract the top "local players" to join their Pens Elite program which cost each of those families tens of thousands of dollars each year.
Knowing this, it does not surprise me that Crosby didn't play in Johnstown last night. Should he have??? IMO yes, but I'm pretty sure that was a management decision. A bad one, but not Crosby's.
One other thing and I'm sure that the Penguins are aware of this and most of us aren't...but in the eyes of a number of retail chains, the Johnstown area is considered the territory of the Philadelphia Flyers and Flyers merchandise is sold in the stores like Penguins merchandise is sold here.

Wow. And here I thought UPMC Passavant was in the "North". Guess not. Do you mean "North North UPMC"?

 

[YourPittDanceTeam]

I live in Johnstown. Crosby should have been here, even if he didn't play. And you WILL NOT find one single piece of Flyer merchandise in Johnstown, unless it's on a clearance rack at some discount store.

I haven't been up in Johnstown since the end of last hockey season (March) but I saw it with my own eyes. I called a friend who is a store a manager of a department store in the area and he told me that he has a hard time with his home office trying to get "Pittsburgh" sports merchandise into his store because they tell him that isn't his stores target market. A couple of years ago, I had stopped at a Rite-Aid in the Greensburg area and all I saw was penn state stuff, no Pitt stuff. I jokingly asked the guy at the register (the manager as it turned out) where all the Pitt stuff was and he told me that, his store (in Greenburg) was considered part of the Philadelphia market and he was unable to get Pitt merchandise. He agreed that it made no sense, but that was the reality of the situation.

 

[YourPittDanceTeam]

Wow. And here I though UPMC Passavant was in the "North". Guess not. Do you mean "North North UPMC"?

You are correct about Passavant is in the "North" area. I was referring to the Cranberry area and areas north of that area.

 

[wbrpanther]

I know that this may difficult for some of you to accept, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are NOT the wonderful organization that you guys think they are. They are a very self-centered egotistical group of people who are only worried about one thing...their bottom line. Everything this organization does is related to that. Why do you think that UPMC and the Penguins built the new facility in Cranberry??? People think that it was built to help promote the growth of youth hockey the city's NHL team, sadly that wasn't the case. It was built by UPMC and the Penguins because...UPMC wanted to get their claws into the Cranberry area with the hope that down the road (within a couple of years) they can build a UPMC North hospital in the area. The Penguins involvement revolves around the fact that they are making a move to "take over" youth hockey in the Pittsburgh area. They want nothing more to attract the top "local players" to join their Pens Elite program which cost each of those families tens of thousands of dollars each year.
Knowing this, it does not surprise me that Crosby didn't play in Johnstown last night. Should he have??? IMO yes, but I'm pretty sure that was a management decision. A bad one, but not Crosby's.
One other thing and I'm sure that the Penguins are aware of this and most of us aren't...but in the eyes of a number of retail chains, the Johnstown area is considered the territory of the Philadelphia Flyers and Flyers merchandise is sold in the stores like Penguins merchandise is sold here.

The Johnstown area is Flyers country? You completely made that up. I've lived in the area all my life and I can assure you that is completely and utterly false. I may see some Flyers apparel occasionally but most racks are solid Pens stuff. Putting this drivel on a message board does not make it true.And in your bashing of the Penguins as being bottom line oriented, that makes the Pens exactly like every other Professional team on the face of the earth.

 

[LVram81]

I haven't been up in Johnstown since the end of last hockey season (March) but I saw it with my own eyes. I called a friend who is a store a manager of a department store in the area and he told me that he has a hard time with his home office trying to get "Pittsburgh" sports merchandise into his store because they tell him that isn't his stores target market. A couple of years ago, I had stopped at a Rite-Aid in the Greensburg area and all I saw was penn state stuff, no Pitt stuff. I jokingly asked the guy at the register (the manager as it turned out) where all the Pitt stuff was and he told me that, his store (in Greenburg) was considered part of the Philadelphia market and he was unable to get Pitt merchandise. He agreed that it made no sense, but that was the reality of the situation.

Is your friend a successful manager? If he's pushing Philadelphia anything in Johnstown, I think not.