Pens' Cup quest brings spotlight
CRANBERRY TWP — The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on Cranberry Springs Drive has seen the effects of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ quest for the Stanley Cup.
“It’s put us on the national stage,” said Matt Herr, executive director and general manager of the complex. “The team has benefitted from it.”
The complex, which opened last year, is the practice facility of the Penguins and is also open to public skating and hockey.
While the Penguins have practiced there for the playoffs, Herr said NHL regulations may cause them to practice at Consol Energy Center while they face their upcoming opponents, the San Jose Sharks.
The last time the Penguins were in the finals was in 2009 when they defeated the Detroit Red Wings in seven games to win the cup.
Herr said the timing of the facility’s opening and the Penguins’ finals appearance are “part of the team effort.” The complex will have specially themed public skates and merchandise for the Penguins’ Eastern Conference Championship victory and finals appearance. It also may feature raffles and giveaways for Penguins gear.
Herr said social media has helped support the Penquins. These include the #LetsGoPens hashtag used on Twitter and the HBK line (Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel) that has not only garnered support from fans, but also the original “HBK,” wrestling legend Shawn Michaels who came to Pittsburgh for game five of the Penguins’ series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Although Herr did not have official sales data, he said sales of Penguins’ items have spiked and the number of people coming to the complex also has increased.
“Being a northern branch, it adds to the Cranberry, North Hills and Butler County areas,” Herr said. “We’re estimating about 600,000 people that have come through the doors since last August. A winning team always helps.”
Two such people are Nancy and Kaitlyn Kieronski of Chicago. The mother-daughter duo visited the sports complex for the first time Friday.
While Chicago is home to the Blackhawks, Kaitlyn has “always” been a Sidney Crosby fan. She is a student at New York University.
“We’ve been to two games this year,” she said. “Our complex is a little older, and you have to go all the way to the other side of town to get to it.”
Nancy Kieronski said the Penguins’ complex is “impressive” and is convenient for players.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s big, comfortable and has great parking.”
Beaver Falls couple Ralph and Patricia Primerano also visited the facility Friday for the third time.
Ralph Primerano said he believes the complex has contributed to the Penguins’ success.
“It’s more private,” he said. “There’s a weight room so they can work out away from their normal place.”
Food and nutrition have also become a bigger aspect of the complex and for players. An executive chef was brought in to make special meals for the team.
As a playoff special, cookies with play off “beards” have been baked.
“People have been blown away by the facility and the detail that’s take to take care of the team,” Herr said.
The Penguins host the Sharks at 8 p.m. Monday. The Pens have home ice advantage and will play in Pittsburgh four times if needed.
