Local News

Pitt Hockey Team Pays Tribute To Former Manager

HARMARVILLE (KDKA) ― When the Pitt Panthers hockey team takes to the ice at Bladerunners-Harmarville tonight for their home opener - they will carry with them the memory of someone very special.

Lauren Leigh Ruud was the team's game day manager. Last March the 19-year-old from Center Township was diagnosed with a rare lymphoma. She died in August.

"When we heard of her passing," says head coach Tom Rieck, "The entire team definitely was very upset by it and immediately started putting this together." In her honor tonight, the players will be wearing green ribbons on their helmets. All proceeds from the game will be donated to the Mario Lemieux Foundation. The foundation is also providing autographed Penguin memorabilia for a a raffle and auction at the event.

Lauren's Mom and her former roommates were putting final touches on plans for tonight. Mary Morris is overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection for her daughter. "As a parent you're just so proud, and you really never realize the impact your children have on other people."

Roommates Liz Unterbrink and Jackie White have been selling tickets - but miss their friend terribly. "She was always out there for other people, and she always cared more about them than herself," says White, "Now it's time to give back to her. Lauren's Mom added, "If she knew all this attention was being brought to her - she was not an attention seeker - she would be like - 'I can't believe you guys are doing this.'"

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