Alleluia!!!

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Penguins to break ground on arena next week
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Penguins and local and state officials will break ground next week on the $290 million arena.
Gov. Ed Rendell broke the news during an appearance in Pittsburgh to announcement the award of money for bridge repairs and other economic development projects.

The ground breaking will take place at 11 a.m. August 14 at the arena site bordered by Fifth Avenue, Washington Place and Centre Avenue. Mr. Rendell is expected to attend, along with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Penguins and other public officials.

The Penguins are hoping to begin construction in earnest by fall and expect to have the facility completed in time for the start of the 2010-2011 hockey season.

Blogstipation

Sorry folks, I know it has been a long time since the last post. Even though the NHL/hockey news is slower in the summer than Hillary Clinton's rush to pay off her failed campaign debt, I do have a few interesting random thoughts....

Worried that there might be another lockout soon? You should be. It seems that the NHL might have created themselves a situation by instituting a salary cap floor in addition to a salary cap ceiling. Problem is it's too high.

Wanna see a cheap imitation of the Stanley Cup; a has-been ex-NFL quarterback; and, an aged rocker all in the same photo? Click here.

When I was a little mucker and grinder I loved the NY Islanders dynasty of the early 80's. Who didn't? Here is a pictorial tribute to the joke that organization has become since then.

Oh yeah, Michel Thierren got a new 3 yr deal. I could tell you how I feel but actually Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sums up my feelings pretty well.

Puck Daddy covers Sid's 21st birthday this Thursday - what should be a celebrated holiday in Pittsburgh and Cole Harbor, NS. We all learn that Sid likes Crown Royal and Jack - we're just not sure if that is separately or together!

Also, Puck Daddy is running a photoshop contest to help paint Gary Bettman in a more positive light.

Penguins are confirmed as having a third jersey this year based on last year's Winter Classic jersey. Apparently several other teams are intro-ing 3rd jerseys this year as well. Great way to get a few extra bucks out of your already cash-strapped fan base!

Until next time ... GGG