CHICORA — Talk about an early Christmas present.

Darek Horton, 23, a 2012 Karns City graduate who has been serving in the Air Force for five years, received one Saturday night, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Horton was honored as the Penguins' Hometown Hero prior to the team's game against Anaheim at PPG Paints Arena. He and his wife, Butler graduate Sarah Monks Horton, received two complimentary tickets to the game.

Horton stood next to Jeff Jimerson on the ice while the latter sang the national anthem. He rode on the Zamboni while it cleaned the ice between periods.

When Jimerson closed the anthem with “home of the brave,” he pointed at Horton.

“When he pointed at me while singing that ... It took my breath away. I felt so proud,” Horton said.