Penguins Sign Curry

FINALLY!! The Pens signed John Curry today (in addition to the two forwards earlier today). I first learned of it this afternoon from a post on LGP.com message board directed to CapGeek.com.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it's a two year, two-way contract for $1 million although it appears that Brent Johnson, who the Penguins signed earlier this month, will most likely be the back-up goalie to start the upcoming 2009-2010 season.

Details for Kunitz's Day with the Cup

Chris Kunitz with have the Stanley Cup in his hometown of Regina. Word came yesterday, but the official announcement was made later in the day. It will be on display at City Hall from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Kunitz will be available at the courtyard in front of city hall for autographs with a minimum donation of $5 to receive an autographed photo of Kunitz. All proceeds will benefit the Allan Blair Cancer Centre (fans are encouraged to bring their own memorabilia for Kunitz to sign since there are only a limited number of signed photos).

"Growing up playing hockey in Regina was a big part of my life, so to be able to share this with my hometown is an honour for me," Kunitz said in a prepared statement. "Being able to give back to the community by benefitting the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency makes the victory that much sweeter."

Pens Sign Two Forwards

The Penguins announced today that they signed Wade Brookbank and Wyatt Smith to one-year contracts.

Both players have spent time in the Norfolk AHL (Smith also played for the San Antonio AHL).

Brookbank also played with the WB / S Baby Pens during the 2006-2007 season and also got some playing time in the NHL with the Carolina Hurricanes playing a total of 27 games last season (2008-2009).

Kunitz to Take Cup Home to Regina

Just found out that Chris Kunitz will have his day with the Stanley Cup on Monday, August 10th and is taking it to his hometown of Regina.

I'll post more details as soon as I learn more!!

Cabbie's Journey to the Cup - Special [Final 2009] Edition

FINALLY -- Cabbie's special edition of "Journey to the Cup" featuring the Penguins post-game celebration (originally aired in Canada on June 20th). As always, it's good stuff!!

Cabbie's Journey To The Cup from cabbie richards on Vimeo.

Gill to Bring Stanley Cup to Alma Mater

I received a tip from reader, Shoshana K., letting me know that Hal Gill will have the Cup on Thursday, August 13th and will be bringing it to his hometown in Bolton, Massachusetts. One of the places he plans to take it to is his alma mater, Nashoba Regional High School, where he was a 1993 graduate and will host "Coffee with the Cup" that morning (it appears to coincide with the school's "Bolton Fair").

Fans will have the opportunity toGill and have their picture taken with Lord Stanley for $10 - proceeds going to the Community Competition Complex project at the high school.

THANKS for the "heads-up" Shoshana - it's much appreciated!!

Also - be sure to check back for times (and any other events scheduled for this day) -- I'll post them as soon as I learn of them!!

Two Former Penguins in US Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2009

It was announced today that Tom Barasso and John LeClair are among the group in this year's Class of 2009 to be inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame. The others include 1998 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team, Tony Amonte, and Frank Zamboni.

The date and location of the official induction ceremonies will be released in August.

CLICK HERE to read today's press release along with bios of the 2009 inductees.

CONFIRMED - Crosby Celebrates with Lord Stanley on His Birthday

There have been several reports speculating that Sid would be celebrating his 22nd birthday with the Cup; however, it has now been confirmed and further information has been released by both the Chronicle Herald and CBC.ca that Sid will have and celebrate with the Cup on Friday, August 7th.

"People from home have been so supportive of me since I was a youngster playing at Cole Harbour Place. I want as many people as possible to be part of this day," he said in a release Tuesday.

A parade and "question-and-answer" session where fans can get their pictures taken with Sid and the Cup along with various other events are planned throughout the day. The celebration begins with the parade at 2:30 PM and will end with a concert later in the evening.

What a fitting way for Sid to celebrate both his birthday AND winning the Stanley Cup!!

More details will be forthcoming in the days to follow.

Latest Sykora Rumored Offers

Speculation is that Petr Sykora is in talks with the Leafs and previously Tampa Bay made him an offer NHLSourcesSay Sykora will probably accept Tampa Bay's offer.

Video of Cooke's, Ziggy's Days with the Cup

Don't blink or you'll miss Matt Cooke (the guy even points him out in the video!)!!

CLICK HERE for another short video clip of Cooke courtesy of CKWS Television - Kingston, ON

"Touch it, kiss it, hug it, but don't lift it." - M. Zigomanis

Next Up: Zigomanis Enjoys a Markham Parade with Lord Stanley

Pictures courtesy of Main Street Markham

One of the things Mike Zigomanis enjoyed on his day with the Stanley Cup yesterday, July 26th, was a parade he rode in with the coveted trophy (sponsored by Main Street Markham).




Hopefully, there will be more information / pictures later on!! Until then, read about the schedule of events I had written about in a previous post.

Next Up: Cooke Family Enjoy the Cup in Belleville Despite Controversy

Matt Cooke made the decision to bring the Cup to Belleville on his day with Lord Stanley on Saturday, July 25th which angered some of the residents of Stirling (where Cooke played minor hockey and the mayor had apparently started making plans for a parade and other celebrations when the Penguins won -- without consulting Cooke first); however, it's HIS day with the Cup, HE earned it, so he should be able to do whatever he wants with it for that 24 hour period!!! And Cooke felt that it would get more exposure at King George Square in Belleville, so that's where he took the Cup.

Cooke and his family charged the 1,000 people who showed up at the A &P grocery store parking lot $5 for a personalized autographed photo with Cooke plus a photo with the Cup with the proceeds benefiting the Cooke family Foundation of Hope.

Other stops included the Northway Restaurant for lunch with his family and close friends. Then his son, Jackson, wanted to make a stop at Tim Hortons to fill the Cup with Timbits (donuts) and finally to A &W where his daughter, Reece, made a root beer float she drank from the Cup!!

"That was a big thrill for the kids and for Michelle and I too," he said. "It was great watching the kids have so much fun. The family time I spent with Michelle and the kids with the Cup is what I enjoyed the most."

pictures courtesy of HFBoards poster!!

Next Up: Heinbuck Brings Cup to Mitchell

Jay Heinbuck is the director of amateur scouting for the Pittsburgh Penguins and spent his day with the Cup on Friday, July 24th in his hometown of Mitchell, Ontario Canada.

"It's the march of the Penguins," Jay Heinbuck said while balancing the
Stanley Cup on his shoulder.

"I woke up at 3:30 in the morning, I was just rolling around so excited about this day. I was fortunate enough this year to win the Stanley Cup and that was such an awesome feeling, and I thought here is my opportunity to bring it (here)."

Before finally taking the Stanley Cup to his cousin's home, he wanted to share it with his hometown and stopped into a few downtown stores. There was also a parade and it was displayed for an hour at the Mitchell Arena to provide everyone the opportunity to get their picture taken with the coveted trophy as well.

Pens Announce Dates for 2009-2010 Ticket Sales

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced dates for tickets sales for pre-season , regular season mini-plans, and regular season individual games on their webpage today.

PRE-SEASON (Friday, September 18th and Friday, September 25th)
Wednesday, August 26th at 10:00 AM

REGULAR SEASON MINI-PLANS (exclusively to those on the season ticket waiting list)
Wednesday, September 2nd @ 10:00 AM

Waiting list members will receive a letter in the mail with more information about the purchase of mini-plans.

INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKETS (2009-2010 REGULAR SEASON)
Saturday, September 12th at 10:00 AM

This is a national on-sale date for all NHL teams.

Satan to the Islanders?

Miro Satan's agent, Allan Walsh, confirms that they are in negotiations with the New York Islanders for a contract for Satan.

On a related note, Walsh (who is also the agent for Sykora) says that they are in talks with several teams interested in Petr Sykora. Also mentions that the interview in Aha! never took place!!

Staal Makes Special Stop at Golf Course

On Jordan Staal's busy day with Lord Stanley, he made sure to make a quick stop for one of his dad's best sod customers.

Tom Forsythe was one of 60 people invited to a private viewing of the Stanley Cup. Forsythe is in charge of the golf courses throughout the Thunder Bay area and purchases sod from the Staals farm.

2009-2010 Penguins Schedule Wallpaper & Downloads

I just came across this yesterday. I'm into having the schedule as my desktop wallpaper at work, so I have something to look forward to when I'm miserably bored there!! So I thought I'd share this with you too.

The page includes printable scheduled (both in list format as well as color and B&W) and also downloadable schedules for various devices and search engines.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS

(and get ready for the upcoming season)!!

The Year of the Penguins

The official Stanley Cup book, "The Year of the Penguins."

Featuring an in-depth analysis of the race for Lord Stanley's Cup, this NHL® 2009 Stanley Cup® Champions book includes an up-close-and-personal look at the victor's championship year. Starting with the first day of training camp, the book features a recap of each regular season game and playoff match-up, as well as a year's worth of ups and downs, trades, injuries, line-ups, and great goals.

TO PURCHASE A COPY, VISIT SHOP.NHL.COM

Next Up: Yeo Brings Cup to North Bay

Yeo got the Cup Wednesday night and took it to Sudbury restaurant, Respect is Burning, where a private dinner was held for the members of the restaurant's Club.

Thursday was his official day with the Cup making a few quick stops at MOOSE FM and Burgerworld then arriving at the Memorial Gardens complete with a police escort all before 9:00 AM. The event lasted fours hours with an estimated 5,000 - 10,000 fans waiting in line to see Yeo, get an autograph and a picture.

"It is exactly what I expected because I know hockey is so important to our community," said Yeo during his media scrum at 11:00 Thursday morning.

"North Bay is Hockeyville and it's a great hockey town ther are a lot of great younger players and a lot of great older players that have paved the way. There is a lot of tradition and pride in this city and I'm happy but not surprised because I know what a great hockey town North Bay is."

"A Bout de Souffle" this Weekend

The annual "A Bout de Souffle" tournament will be held this weekend, July 24th - July 26th. The tournament is played at the Magog Arena in Magog, Quebec Canada and has been held every year for the past 16 years. It benefits several local charities to financially help children "through sports, health, or any other personal realization."

This year, the proceeds will be shared among the following organizations:

• Family home in Magog
• Sports Fund for the City of Sherbrooke
• The circus of the stars Memphremagog
• Grants to support athletes in the region
• Foundation Rehabilitation Center Estrie
• Fund chanmbre hyperbaric treatment

Among those participating this year is Pittsburgh Penguin, Kris Letang (CLICK HERE to view article in "Le Reflet du Lac" (translation courtesy of Google's online translator).

Pens Prospects Paintball

SAY THAT THREE TIMES FAST!!

Cup Event Moving Indoors

Today is Penguin's assistant coach, Mike Yeo's, day with the Cup in North Bay; however, according the Bay Today, with the forecast calling for rain they decided to move the event inside Memorial Gardens.

The Cup will be on display from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and fans will have the chance to meet Mike Yeo and get their picture taken with him and the Cup.

The event will include a barbeque hosted by Burger World, autograph sessions with local NHL Alumni, junior and college hockey players along with a shooting gallery set up by Elitehockey.net.

Other hockey memorabilia and prizes will be given out throughout the day.

All proceeds will benefit Kidsport.

Other Plans with Lord Stanley

SATURDAY, JULY 25TH: Matt Cooke will be bringing the Cup home to Belleville at the A&P grocery store parking lot and is using the opportunity to raise money for the Cooke Family Foundation of Hope supporting local charities. For a $5 donation, fans can get Cooke's autograph and their picture with the Stanley Cup.

"Belleville is simply the most central location of the region where I started my hockey career, and I think it provides the most convenient opportunity for everyone who wants to see the Cup," Cooke said, in a statement.

SUNDAY, JULY 26TH: Mike Zigomanis will have the Cup in his hometown of Markham. The day will begin with a visit to the Markham Stouffville Hospital followed by a parade to start around 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM. Afterwards, Lord Stanley will be on display at the Mount Joy Arena from 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM where Zigomanis with be available for autographs and pictures.

“It should be a lot of fun. It’ll be exciting,” he said from New Orleans Wednesday.

Some Contradiction as to the Date for Crosby

[UPDATE]
It looks as though alot of reports are surfacing that Sid will have the Cup on his birthday which is appropriate (so I apologize for my posting the information too early and getting the date incorrect).

Metro News Halifax is reporting that sources have told them that Crosby is planning to have the Cup on his 22nd birthday on August 7th, but an official announcement is forthcoming.

“Right now, the date is pretty much secured but it’s not being released,” said Mason, a family friend and a former coach of Crosby’s. “It will be announced possibly by the end of this week or the beginning of next week at the latest.”

Currently, I have Crosby's day with the Cup listed as August 19th and I wouldn't have posted it unless I came across that date on the internet (whether the date was actually stated in an article or I put facts from a number of articles together to come to a conclusion that this was the date).

But, I had a reader email me that the date is being reported on YAHOO! Sports as his birthday, August 7th.

I just wanted to make note of this on the blog so you don't think that I'm pulling dates out of thin air -- it appears to be some type of discrepency (and it could be a mistake on my part); however, YAHOO! does not give any sources or reasons as to why they report this is the date (and it does say "is expected to" which would imply this is not definite).

Is it August 7th or August 19th?? I guess we'll have to wait and see unless I get confirmation prior to these dates!!

Number Assignments for New Players

I just noticed on the Penguins roster that a few of the new players have numbers assigned to them.

Further solidifying the fact that Petr Sykora isn't returning in a Penguins uniform, Mike Rupp will be wearing #17 (I'll miss you Sykie!!) and Jay McKee will wear #74.

Next Up: The Cup Makes a Stop in Thunder Bay

Yesterday, July 21st, was Jordan Staal's day with Lord Stanley. It actually started on Monday evening when he got the Cup from hockey officials.

It was a full day that started out with a trip to Thunder Bay Regional Health Services Centre, a local hospital, and then onto Fort William Gardens to sign autographs and take photos with close to 2,000 adoring fans for nearly 2 hours (it was noted that Jordan's dad, Henry, played a big roll in helping the city of Thunder Bay to plan the celebration).

Later that evening he made an appearance with the Cup at the Port Arthur Stadium for the Northwoods League all-star game to throw out the first pitch.

NEW DATES I CAME ACROSS:
July 25th - Matt Cooke (Belleville, CANADA)
July 26th - Mike Zigomanis (Markham, CANADA)

Next Up: Shero Takes Cup on Vacation

Ray Shero's day was on Saturday, July 18th and he took it with him to Cape Cod. The celebration included the kids eating ice cream out of the trophy's bowl, a celebration, then onto the beach.

"I am so thrilled to have the Cup," he [Shero] said.

And his statement is illustrated in this photo, don't you think?!!

Penguins Sign Goaltender

The Penguins have announced that they've signed goaltender Brent Johnson to a one-year contract.

Johnson, 32, played 21 games with the Washington Capitals, finishing with a record of 12-6-2 during the 2008-09 season. The veteran goaltender recorded a .908 save percentage along with a 2.81 goals-against average.

New 'Signage' in Pens Locker Room

This is awesome!!

The official Penguins twitter page has links to pictures of the new signs featured in the locker room and on the door. PRETTY COOL!!! The sign on the locker room door reads, "Eastern Conference & Stanley Cup Champions."

Thanks, Kena, for the tip!!

Cup to be at the Black and Gold Game

The Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Baby Pens webpage announced that the Stanley Cup will be making an appearance at this year's Pittsburgh Penguins Black and Gold Game on Thursday, September 17th. And unless you are a season-ticket holder (or planning to purchase a five-game, 12-game, 22-game or the full season ticket plan), don't expect to purchase tickets to this game so easily. Those fans purchasing a ticket plan by August 17th will be the only ones guaranteed a seat to the game and able to view a piece of hockey history.

The Cup will be on display at the Wachovia Arena prior to the Black and Gold Game, at which time fans holding tickets to the contest can take photos with the trophy free of charge. Actual display times will be announced at a later date, and ONLY fans with tickets to the Black and Gold Game will be admitted.

Brooks Orpik at BC with the Stanley Cup (A Fan's Account)

I was lucky enough to have a reader get a first-hand account of Orpik's visit to Boston College with the Cup yesterday and e-mail me afterwards.

It was awesome! I got there early so I was in good position when they finally let people in (about 15 min late). The organizers did next to nothing. There were no signs or anything of where to go (and it was a BIG building) and there was no clear line so it became a bit of a "rush the door" when they started, but no fights broke out so it went ok ... He was taking photos with everyone and signing stuff too ... Which is not to say I'd ever want to face him on the ice, but off the ice he seems just genuinely nice. I even got to shake his hand ... I didn't get a chance to spend much time up close and personal with the Cup, but to even get to touch it seemed so special.

A BIG THANK YOU goes out to Cathy Z. for sharing her experience and photos!!!

HHOF Stanley Cup Journal (and Other Sources of Information)

For a complete account of this year's summer tour with the Penguins and the Stanley Cup, be sure to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame's "Stanley Cup Journal" which is a pretty cool way to learn all about where the Cup has been and with whom (and how the chose to celebrate with it)!!!

However, even the HHOF cannot compete with the list of dates and players that I work very hard on daily to keep updated and accurate!! The HHOF's journal only gives you dates and stories of where the Cup has already been, but TSCSF's list is from beginning to end (with a few dates / players missing here and there) -- from TK's July 3rd boat ride to the Cup's final day with Crosby at the end of August, you'll know the dates and the team member as soon as I learn of it (not when it's old news!)!!!

I now ask you kindly to PLEASE CREDIT TSCSF WITH A LINK if you choose to use the information contained on this site. I've come across a few readers who have taken it upon themselves to "steal" this list (even so far as to "copy and paste" it onto their site / blog) and I have personally contacted them to ask they provide credit or remove the information. Please understand, if I didn't work so hard on this list, I wouldn't be so adament about getting credit, but I'm sure you know from trying to find a list of dates elsewhere perhaps, that it's not an easy task to find (since there are no listings of this kind ANYWHERE!)!!! I did the work to provide the information to my readers who are as interested as I am in it and not so others can take my hard work and claim it as their own!! I appreciate your consideration. You can always contact me through posting a comment or emailing me at thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com.

Another great way to remember this summer's journey taken by the each Penguin with the Cup is the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's upcoming book, "Summer with Stanley" which will give the behind-the-scenes story and pictures of where each team member took the Cup and how they celebrated. And I'm sure it'll be well worth the $19.95!! CLICK HERE to order your copy!

Follow Lord Stanley’s Cup on its travels with the Pittsburgh Penguins throughout the summer of 2009 with SUMMER WITH STANLEY – a commemorative book featuring glossy, full color photos and exclusive stories from the Pens’ and their Summer with Stanley.

Go behind the scenes with the Cup from the locker room, to the victory parade, to Canada, Russia and beyond. Get an insider’s view of hockey’s most coveted trophy and your Pittsburgh Penguins in Summer with Stanley.

Next Up: Orpik Returns to Boston College with the Cup

Today is Brooks Orpik's day with the Stanley Cup and he chose to use part of it to raise money for charity at his alma mater, Boston College.

It was at the campus' "Shea Room" of the Conte Forum from 11 AM to 1 PM this afternoon, but Orpik stayed for over 2-1/2 hours to sign autographs and take pictures for an estimated number of 400 fans.

A donation of $5 to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America was requested for an autograph and / or picture with the Stanley Cup (and Orpik).

I'm hoping to get a first-hand account / more pictures of the visit from a reader who was there this afternoon, so check back later!!

SEA Approves Monies for Penguins New Video System

It was announced on Thursday that the SEA (the Sports and Exhibition Authority) approved $8.4 million for the video system in the Penguins new home at the Consol Energy Center.

The money will be put toward the main, center-ice video system, basketball and hockey scoring systems, a game clock, goal lights, air horn and ticket window displays at the arena, said Chris Cieslak, a representative for the SEA.

They also approved another $3.7 million for the cost to operate the system.

Fleury, Talbot, Crosby Visit Reebok-CCM Headquarters

Yesterday, three Penguins visited the Reebok-CCM global hockey headquarters in Montreal. Marc-Andre Fleury, Max Talbot, and Sidney Crosby "had an opportunity to meet staff, answer questions and provide their feedback on new products for the upcoming NHL season."

Change in Penguins @ Carolina in October

The Carolina Hurricanes have already made a change to their 2009 - 2010 schedule.

The opening day of the North Carolina State Fair is Thursday, October 15th which was originally the date the Canes played the Penguins at the RBC Center. To avoid traffic concerns, they've moved the game up to Wednesday, October 14th (at 7:00 PM) since the RBC Center is right across from the State Fairgrounds where the Fair will be held.

So mark your calendars!!

Say It Ain't So, Sykie (Is it Really Goodbye for Him Too?)!!!

OK -- now that I got all that SC journey info out of the way (whew!) and speaking of saying goodbye and missing "former" Penguins players, there's an article from the Czech tabloid paper, Aha!, reporting that Petr Sykora will not be returning to the Penguins next season (among a few other interesting things!)!

THANKS to the Letsgopens.com message board and their valuable Russian / Czech translator, Tomas Jandik, we're able to find out some interesting information (below is only a part of it; to read the short translation and google translation, CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW!)!!

Letsgopens.com SHORT TRANSLATED INTERVIEW (by Tomas Jandik)
GOOGLE TRANSLATION OF ENTIRE ARTICLE

Q: Could you continue in Pittsburgh?

A: No. My agent talked to the management, and I won’t be back. When the coach does not want Sykora, nothing can be done.

Q: Could you say what happened between you and coach Bylsma that got you to be scratched?

A: It’s never a good thing when you are coached by a former teammate. On top of that, he used to be a player who drifted around as a fourth-liner. I was younger than him, played on the top line, scored goals, was the little star. Now the roles got reversed, and from the first moment I had a feeling that he let me ‘eat it.’ I honestly say that I have not had liked him even as a teammate. Which does not happen to me often… [this puts an interesting spin on things, doesn't it? You knew there was something going on, but I never would've guessed THIS; and Bylsma, he never led on which is the professional thing to do, but just who do we believe? Maybe it just comes down to perspective and from the position Sykora is / was in, it doesn't look all that good. I must admit that I never really understood his being benched in the first place and wondered why it was necessary to do when there were other players having their own "slump" - he just appeared to be singled out and maybe he was, but we'll never know!]

Up Next: Rob Scuderi Takes the Cup Home to Long Island

Again, BIG THANKS go out to psamp blog for giving me the "heads up" on this one (the pics are courtesy of the blog as well!!)!!!!

Today is Rob Scuderi's day with the Cup and, as psamp pointed out to me, it will be the last thing he does as a Penguin (and we'll all miss him!).

Scuderi took the Cup to a few places around the Long Island area.

"This is where I'm from, where I started playing hockey. I wanted to bring it back here," said the defenseman who has since signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Kings.

Stops included the Newbridge Park in Bellmore (the Newbridge Arena is where the pictures were taken), the Nassau Police post where Scud's dad, Bob, worked on the force for 31 years, and Bethpage High School where his mom, Leslie, who currently teaches chemistry there.

ANOTHER NEW DATE:

July 25th - Matt Cooke (Belleville)