Rupp on 96.1 KISS FM Tomorrow

According to the Penguins webpage, Mike Rupp will be on 96.1 KISS FM radio tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM.

The Good, the Bad, and the [Not So] Ugly: A Preview of the CONSOL Energy Center

CLICK HERE TO READ MY ARTICLE AT "The Hockey Writers"

Altoona Curve Promotion: Pascal Dupuis Appearance!

From the official Altoona Curve webpage:

PENGUINS WINGER PASCAL DUPUIS VISIT BCB ON AUG. 26

The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce that an appearance by Pittsburgh Penguins right-winger Pascal Dupuis will headline the fan experience at Blair County Ballpark on Thursday, August 26 at 5:30 p.m. in a twin bill against the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Dupuis will sign autographs on the concourse for 90 minutes during the game and throw out the night’s ceremonial first pitch. Dupuis’ appearance at BCB is made possible through a partnership with the Altoona Trackers, Glacial Energy, and Advanced Chiropractic.

“At first viewed as a secondary addition in the Marian Hossa trade, Pascal has become a fixture on Sidney Crosby’s line,” said Altoona Curve General Manager Rob Egan. “With the popularity of hockey growing in our part of the region given the Pens’ recent success, it makes perfect sense to welcome in one of the more popular members of their roster.”

In addition to Dupuis’ appearance, fans can also enjoy the final Thirsty Thursday promotion of the 2010 season where 16 ounce Yuengling draft beers will cost just $2 and 22 ounce fountain sodas just $1.50.

CLICK HERE to buy tickets!

MORE 'Free Candy' for Pittsburgh!!!

The Pens just announced that they signed Andrew Orpik (Brooks' little brother) to an AHL contract to play with their affiliate in WBS!!!!

AWESOME!!!!!!!

Here's a short post I did on him a year or so ago -->  CLICK HERE!!!

Focus on the Fight Against Cancer

With the recent cancer-causing deaths we've suffered over the last few weeks, I believe it's fitting to do a post on some of the people who have contacted me regarding things they are doing to take an active approach in the fight against the horrible disease that is taking so many lives (in hockey and otherwise) ... the twist of the two people in this post is that their charity is hockey-related which is really pretty cool!!

If you have a minute, be sure to check what these women are doing to help the fight against cancer and help their cause if you're so inclined!!  THANKS!!

Stanley Cup 4 Cancer Melissa Krupa (photo courtesy of Puck Daddy)

Melissa was recently featured on the ever-popular Puck Daddy blog (which you should consider reading to get a more detailed background of Melissa and her project) at the end of July which is around the same time she contacted me to kindly ask if I would consider participating.  As most of you are aware my life kept me away from the blog for a few weeks, so this was the first chance I got to post the information.

Melissa's motivation for the project came about after her mother and brother were diagnosed with Stage 3 neurological tumors within a few weeks of each other (March and April 2009).  Her love of the Blackhawks, their Stanley Cup win, and bonding with her family during Game 5 of the Final became inspiration for the project itself and involves the "Burning Man" celebration which takes place in Black Rock Desert, Nevada - also known as "the playa" - and runs this year from August 30th - September 6 ... learn more about "Burning Man" by CLICKING HERE!). 

The actual project?  Melissa is creating a replica Stanley Cup out of cardboard, writing names of cancer survivors as well as those who take part in their struggle ... a spiritual offering and memorial for those who have succumb to the unyielding disease that affect so many.

The Cup symbolizes so many different things for the players who win it and the fans who witness it. For Krupa, it's a symbol of hope and strength for families like hers that have suffered, and battled, through the horrors of cancer.

If you would like to learn more about Melissa's project (OR would like to include a name on the Cup), visit her Facebook page, "Stanley Cup 4 Cancer," or email her at stanleycup4cancer@gmail.com.

Drawing the Pittsburgh Penguins [for MLF]
Michelle Jurgens

Michelle is from all the way "Down Under" - Australia - and she started drawing in order to "survive the off season" and currently has a blog appropriately named, "Drawing the Pittsburgh Penguins," highlighting all of her drawings (which are amazing, BTW!).

Soooo please help Michelle choose which of her drawings she should send to the MLF for auction by visiting her blog and taking part in her poll by CLICKING HERE!!

The loss of loved ones to cancer inspired me to give back. I saw your posts and was devastated to hear that so many people have lost their lives to cancer in the past month.I contacted the MLF last night about donating 2 of my drawings for auction. The only problem is I don't know which 2. I have set up a voting poll ...

If you would like more information about Michelle, her drawings, and / or her MLF project, visit her blog, "Drawing the Pittsburgh Penguins" or email her at mugglemayhem@gmail.com.

Penguins All-Time Team

Today, the Penguins organization announced their "All-Time Team" which were chosen by the fans and a panel of media and team officials as well as unveiled the special interactive display at the CONSOL Energy Center that includes touch screens, video, photos, and stats of all the honored players.

The article and pictures alone are impressive so I can't imagine what it's going to be like to actually be there to experience the display!!

THE All-Time TEAM:

• Mario Lemieux
• Paul Coffey
• Ron Francis
• Joe Mullen
• Larry Murphy
• Syl Apps
• Tom Barrasso
• Les Binkley
• Dave Burrows
• Jaromir Jagr
• Rick Kehoe
• Pierre Larouche
• Jean Pronovost
• Kevin Stevens
• Ulf Samuelsson
• BUILDERS:
  Bob Johnson
  Scotty Bowman
  Herb Brooks
  Craig Patrick
  Jack Riley
  Eddie Johnston
  Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (former owner)
  Mike Lange
  Vince Lasheid
  John Barbero
  Elaine Heufelder (executive assistant)
  A.T. Caggiano (long-time locker room attendant)
  Frank Sciulli (long-time locker room attendant)

OTHER Notable PENGUINS

Randy Carlyle

Lowell MacDonald
Ron STackhouse
Martin Straka
Rick Tocchet

“It’s really an impressive group, and it certainly reminds us of the tremendous individual talent and great team moments that have defined Penguins history,” team president David Morehouse said. “And we can’t wait until our fans get a chance to experience the interactive Trib Total Media Penguins All-Time Team Zone. It is amazing.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

the Penguins "All-Time" Team 

WBS Head Coach Promoted to Penguins Assistant Coach

This past Saturday, the Penguins announced that they promoted Todd Reirden (former head coach for Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate) to assisstant coach which was a spot left by Mike Yeo earlier this year after becoming the head coach of the AHL Houston Aeros.

“We seriously interviewed between 10 and 15 candidates and conducted an extensive search, and the best fit for us at the conclusion of the process was Todd Reirden,” Bylsma said. “Todd and I have developed a strong working relationship, which started when we played college hockey together at Bowling Green and continued in our time together in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He’s a valuable asset to our coaching staff.”

John Hynes who worked with Reirden last season as his assistant coach for the WBS Baby Pens has also been promoted to fill Reirden's head coaching position with the AHL team.