penguins logoFrank and I had a wonderful time hosting Christmas this year, but that’s not to say that we didn’t heave a giant sigh of relief when everyone had made their way back to the places they live. And to celebrate our renewed solitude, we decided to head out with thousands of other fans and catch last night’s Pens-Flyers game at the arena.

I have been a huge Penguins fan since I was a kid. When I was little, I played street hockey with my brothers and cousins and got totally hooked on the sport. This naturally progressed into following the Penguins, and I try to attend games whenever possible. (Living downtown definitely helps – it’s nice to be able to leave for the game at 6:45 and be in your seat at 7.)

Anyway, the Pens are doing really well this year. This is the second year that Sidney Crosby’s been the head coach of the team – he was an amazing hockey player back in his day, and after he retired the Penguins asked him to join the coaching staff as an assistant coach. Last year, he took over the head coach position and the team has just seemed really inspired ever since. Crosby is just the most amazing person. He was drafted by the Pens when he was just 17, and he’s stayed here ever since. I love seeing that kind of dedication from such a gifted athlete – it really shows his character.

We had a great time at the game. We wolfed down Primanti’s sandwiches like there was no tomorrow and washed them down with Iron City beer (regular for Frank, IC Light for me). And – best of all – the Pens won in a shutout, 4-0!