Did you know...?

•Did you know in 1984, when Mario Lemieux came to Pittsburgh there was only eight ice rinks in all of Western Pennsylvania, now there is over 25.

•Did you know youth involvement in the Pittsburgh area is up by two percent. “Our numbers are up. In the Pittsburgh area, we’re at about a two-percent growth, which is good for us. It’s reminding us of the days of Mario [Lemieux]. Only we’re better positioned for it today.” (Paul Day)

•Did you know PIHL (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League) has gained 15 more teams, which is a ten percent increase from last year. “Sidney has spurred so many different things to happen. We have 15 more teams this year than last year. That’s probably a 10 percent increase. I am anticipating a 10 percent roster increase as well. Sidney’s influence and attitude have been unbelievable.” (Ed Sam, PIHL Commissioner)

•Did you know the Pittsburgh Penguins have teamed up with the Hockey in the Hood program to get boys and girls between the ages of 5 – 18 out on the ice for free

•Did you know the YMCA Junior Penguins have had a forty-percent increase of participants in its second year of operations.

•Did you know Sidney Crosby went to the same high school as Ryan Malone and Zack Parise, for his sophomore year, and he took that team to the 17U Tier 1 Nationals and won?(Shattuck St. Mary’s)

•Did you know Sidney Crosby is the youngest player to score over 100 points in his rookie season?

•Sidney Crosby is the youngest player to win the Art Ross Trophy (most points in the regular season), Lester B. Pearson Award (best player as voted by his peers), and Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP in the NHL) in the same year. He won these all at the age of 19.

•Sidney Crosby is the youngest player (age 19) to be named Captain in NHL history.

•Sidney Crosby is the youngest player to be voted to play in an All-Star game (at the age of 19 years 207 days)