A look at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins logo reveals what appears to be the old standby “skating penguin,” sometime after cycling down from an intense steroid regimen. With such a beefed up minor league mascot, one might expect for Pittsburgh’s American Hockey League affiliate to outmuscle the success of their suddenly slim NHL counterparts. As usual, however, logo based analysis proves fruitless in the realm of professional sports, as no sort of animated inspiration could possibly propel the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to the impressive performances enjoyed by Pittsburgh crowds over the past two seasons. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Arena’ Category
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been very closely tied to their home arena, dating back to their expansion season of 1967. When the franchise architects sat down to christen their incoming band of professional hockey players, they derived what proved to be an enduring team name from the very roof under which the squad would soon suit up. Mellon Arena, recently reverting back to its original name of Pittsburgh Civic Arena, has been referred to by a more affectionate, informal moniker over the course of the past several decades. The sharply domed stadium has been known citywide as “The Igloo” since its opening in 1961, a key inspiration when Pittsburgh’s beloved hockey franchise was first dubbed the “Penguins.” Now, for the first time in their 40 years of NHL play, the Pens will lace up their skates and take to a new home ice with the onset of the 2010-2011 season. (more…)
Though the ghosts of Penguins past may forever remain at hallowed halls of The Igloo (at least until Pittsburgh-Allegheny County Sports and Exhibition Authority render a decision on the building’s fate) , the brand new Consol Energy Center offers a clean slate for current Pittsburgh Penguins to make their own memories and write their own legacy. The inaugural season at the area should feature a talent laden team, but this is just one of several amenities modern day Penguins fans will enjoy that have been previously unavailable to home crowds.First and foremost will be a technological upgrade that will make for a much more interactive home ice, taking Pittsburgh hockey from its 1960′s roots into present day possibilities. Younger fans will enjoy testing their virtual hockey skills on Nintendo Wii stations, taking slap shots on a replica of the famous dryer (as in washer and dryer) that helped Sidney Crosby hone his skills or perusing a wide array of other recreational and educational hockey-related activities that comprise the Highmark Kid’s Zone. The Highmark Wall of Champions is situated adjacent to the Kid’s Zone, celebrating the Penguin’s commitment to developing the game of hockey in the Pittsburgh area by recognizing the achievement of Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League teams, prominently displaying each victorious school’s championship-winning jersey. (more…)