Sep 17, 2008 4:18 pm US/Eastern
Fans Get First Glimpse Of 2008-2009 Penguins
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
The Penguins have launched their quest to defend the Eastern Conference Championship.
The players were back on the ice at Mellon Arena today for the practice that got training camp underway for the 2008-2009 season.
Fans are also looking forward to the upcoming season, especially after last year's exciting run in the Stanley Cup Finals. They gathered at The Igloo today as well for the chance to get a look at the '08-'09 team. And they knew exactly who they wanted to see.
"I want to see Staal and Malkin and see if they are playing together, and Sykora," one fan told KDKA.
One big question weighing on the minds of fans is who will skate with Sidney Crosby now that Marian Hossa is gone. At today's practice session it was former New York Islander Miroslav Satan.
"Dupuis and Satan, I think that would be good," said another fan. "Satan just scored and he looked pretty good. Definitely, and he's playing on a line with Sid. It is exciting."
As for another run at the Stanley Cup, one fan said there are a lot of factors as to whether that will happen.
"There are a lot of new guys. We'll see how they all mesh together, chemistry issues. You just never know who stays healthy and who gets hurt, you know, and that always decides how everything happens," said another fan.
But all that isn't keeping fans away.
The Penguins will be at Mellon Arena practicing both Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until about 1:00 p.m.
Both of those practices are open to the public and they are free. Fans can come on down to Gate One at Mellon arena, they will open the doors here at 8:45 a.m. on both days.
Meanwhile, also on Thursday, season ticket holders will get the exclusive chance to meet with some of the team's star players and management. The team is holding a "Town Hall Meeting" at Mellon Arena at 8 p.m.
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury, Ryan Whitney, Brooks Orpik and Max Talbot will be in attendance for a question and answer session.
Also, Penguins President David Morehouse, CEO Ken Sawyer and General Manager Ray Shero are also expected to appear with updates on the upcoming season and new arena.
Stay with KDKA for the latest details.
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