Monday Igloo Update

Yinzers,

There has not been a whole lot of transaction news for our Pittsburgh Penguins, but there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the Consol Energy Center dahntahn and the Winter Classic press conference. First, we'll go to the Winter Classic.

Last week, the NHL held a press conference at Heinz Field in glorious dahntahn Pittsburgh to promote the 2011 Winter Classic game between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins on January 1, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh and to reveal the logo (which is sweet). Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, Dany Byelsma, Ray "Jukebox" Shero and a dozen other Penuins players and administrators were on hand, along with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. See any problem with this group? There was nobody from the Washington Capitals...well, nobody worth mentioning. The biggest deal was that head coach Bruce Boudreau and "star" Alexander Ovechkin were not in attendance. Max Talbot was interviewed by Mark Madden on WXDX/ESPN Radio in Pittsburgh. When asked about his thoughts on Ovechkin's absence, Max replied explaining how he was relieved that Ovechkin was not there. Going on to say how much he "hate[s] that guy" and how "he is such a douche." You go Max, speaking the words of all of Pittsburgh. The Pens will be wearing their throwback powder blue jerseys but instead of the usual skating penguin, the jersey will be adorned by the fat penguin with his scarf flying in the icy wind...the first time it has been used since 1967.

In Consol Energy Center news, still no nickname. Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux had a couple's skate last week to test the new ice surface and get a feel for the arena. The big 66 nailed his triple lutz, but Sid was lacking on his double sowcow, but overall, no Tawnya Hardings took place. The whole organization is getting very excited for October. Still more Consol news, tryouts were held for the Pittsburgh Penguins' skating ice crew. Dozens of sexy skating ladies went through the trials of being the ice crew. Head over to penguins.nhl.com where they have a bunch of photos. To me, there isn't much sexier than a bombshell that'll throw a good hip check. There is also a tryout for the men's ice crew. My guess is that it will be mostly former hockey players.

In transaction news, the Pens promoted Todd Reirden to be assistant coach. Reirden coached beside Dany Byelsma when the pair coached at Wilkes Barre-Scranton. Reirden has served as the Baby Pens' head coach since Byelsma took the big job in Pittsburgh. In his first full season as head coach last year, Todd led the Baby Pens to a 41-34-2-3 record and a berth in the Calder Cup playoffs. Welcome to the bigs Todd Reirden.

There are a ton of "grand opening" events scheduled for Consol Energy Center. This Friday will be the private reception and tour for all those who were involved with the building's construction. There will be an open house for Penguins' season ticket holders on August 14 and 15 and the open house for the general public will be on August 28. Tickets will be $5 and every cent goes to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation to support local youth initiatives.

Let's go Pens,
B Brog



BTW. Look out for an amazing Truck Tuesday coming up with MSM v. Food and documentation of the first full MSM staff meeting.