JOHNSTOWN —
Matt Cooke and Chris Kunitz soaked up the atmosphere and interacted with thousands of fans at Cambria County War Memorial Arena on Saturday night.
The two Pittsburgh Penguins wingers sat at a table a few feet away from the Stanley Cup, which was on display so that a long line of fans stretching around the arena concourse for the better part of two hours might pose for photographs.
“We’re getting a chance to talk to the people,” said Kunitz, who joined Cooke as part of a Johnstown Tomahawks promotion during a NAHL game against the Jamestown (N.Y.) Ironmen. “It’s a pleasure to be in an atmosphere that’s excited about a game that I love to play. It’s a shame that we don’t get to go out there and do it and get to see our fans, but a lot of them are here. Obviously they’re supporting a local team.”
The players’ proximity to the Cup at the back of the War Memorial made sense. Both Kunitz and Cooke played key roles in the Penguins 2009 Stanley Cup run.
The line formed well before the game and remained intact deep into the final period.
When it became evident there wasn’t enough time left for Kunitz and Cooke to sign autographs for the remaining fans who had patiently waited, the two Penguins took stacks of previously signed photos and walked the line, shaking hands, posing for photographs and handing each fan an autograph.
“First of all, a classic, classic arena to actually be at,” Cooke said. “Growing up as a kid and watching the movie, it’s pretty special to be in the exact arena. To see 4,000 fans here crazy about developmental hockey is a pretty fun thing and a pretty exciting thing. I think it’s a great thing for the town of Johnstown. It’s fun to be a part of it.”
Kunitz and Cooke fit in perfectly in the building where “Slap Shot” was filmed.
One thing was amiss though. The Penguins would have preferred to be on the ice playing instead of waiting for the NHL lockout to end – if the work stoppage indeed does conclude in time to salvage at least a portion of the season.
The NHL and NHL Players Association had met Wednesday and Thursday with a mediator. But just as had been the case during two similar meetings in late November, the discussions weren’t very productive.
Games through Dec. 30 already have been wiped out – 526 total – as well as the Winter Classic and NHL All-Star Game.
Even President Obama urged the two sides to work out an agreement.
The NHL filed a class action complaint in federal court on Friday in anticipation of the players union acting to decertify in order to proceed with its own class action and antitrust actions.
“I really don’t have an opinion on that anymore,” Cooke said. “The roller coaster ride of what is, what might be or what should be is too much to keep track of anymore.”
Some players have taken their games to Europe. Others, like the Penguins, have worked out on their own at Southpointe with star captain Sidney Crosby leading the charge.
The labor unrest has players wondering how they’ll be received by the people who pay to watch them play.
“There’s a little bit of apprehension,” Kunitz said. “What if there are fans that are angry at you? But everybody (Saturday) was great. They’re excited to see hockey when it comes back on. They can’t wait to see it. Just like us they want us to get back on the ice as soon as possible.”
The big crowd and long autograph line pleased Cooke.
“We’re locked out and people are starving for hockey,” Cooke said. “You don’t have any expectations of what you’re going to see or find. We were received unbelievably. A lot of fans are dying for hockey.”
Local Sports
Related Photos
-
The Stanley Cup is put on display Saturday night at Cambria County War Memorial Arena. George Lucas
Discussion
Cooke, Kunitz pleased by visit to arena
- Local Sports
-
-
Defense attorney: Woman’s death an accident
A defense attorney for a Blair County man charged with homicide in the 1999 death of his daughter-in-law said the woman’s death was accidental.
-
College players dominate Point nominations
Pitt-Johnstown junior Jake Warner was perfect and extremely productive at the plate while earning the first two monthly nominations for the 2013 Point Stadium Award in February and March.
Mount Aloysius sophomore Derrick Capiak nearly reached perfection to take the April nomination. -
Pirates roll past Brewers
Wandy Rodriguez allowed one run over seven strong innings and Neil Walker hit a two-run single as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 on Wednesday night.
Rodriguez (4-2) gave up six hits, walking one and striking out five. -
Dupuis coming through for Penguins
Dan Bylsma has been hearing it seemingly from the moment he took over at Pittsburgh Penguins head coach four years ago.
Every time the Penguins hit a rough patch, the murmurs about finding a polished winger to play alongside superstar Sidney Crosby pop up. Bylsma understands the sentiment. It’s just that it’s a little misplaced. -
Penn State guard leaving for pro career
Penn State guard Jermaine Marshall, the team’s second-leading scorer, is foregoing his senior year of eligibility to pursue a professional career overseas.
The team announced the surprise move in a statement Wednesday. The 6-foot-4 Marshall, who is on schedule to graduate this summer, cited his family including a 1-year-old son, in making his decision. -
Penn State coach blasts Sports Illustrated article
Penn State coach Bill O’Brien is fervently disputing suggestions raised in a report that player medical care has been compromised after the team doctor was replaced.
Speaking often in an angry tone that might be otherwise reserved for an argument with an official, O’Brien told reporters in a conference call that the health and safety of his players were his top priorities. -
Penguins advance on overtime goal
Brooks Orpik’s goal would have been memorable even if wasn’t in overtime and didn’t put the Pittsburgh Penguins into the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
When you are a defensive-minded defenseman with only 12 goals in nine NHL seasons, they all tend to stand out. -
Liriano key to Pirates' victory
Francisco Liriano finally got to pitch for Pittsburgh and, just like that, the Pirates looked like a much better team.
He struck out nine and the Pirates teed off on New York’s pitching for an 11-2 win over the Mets on Saturday. -
Shade softball thriving on Karl’s watch
Frank Karl coached the majority of the girls who comprise Shade High School’s softball team from the time they played T-ball and coach pitch.
Karl was there when the group, as elementary-school students, once rallied from an 18-run deficit to win a game, and he hoped to be there when the group reached the varsity level. -
MIKE MASTOVICH: Junior put his stamp on tourney
This year, Junior won’t be on the Point Stadium field for the pregame hoopla associated with opening night of the 69th annual AAABA Tournament.
He won’t watch as dozens of Corvettes and hundreds of baseball players enter through the left-field gate with their respective teams from cities such as Baltimore, New Orleans, New Brunswick and Altoona. - More Local Sports Headlines
-
Defense attorney: Woman’s death an accident
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Former Rep. Weiner Running for New York Mayor
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Protests Outside Cincinnati IRS Office
New Xbox One Entertainment Console Unveiled
