Pittsburgh… You Want Your Team?

Pittsburgh is an excellent hockey town. The citizens have adored their stars. They have supported their squad. The Penguins rewarded them with consecutive Stanley Cup championships and numerous playoff appearances.

On Tuesday, Owner Mario Lemieux chastised his city. "I wasn't [at that meeting Thursday], but we were very disappointed. As always, we're going to go out and explore our options. When we get a deal that we like, we'll sign it. The sooner, the better, not only for us, but for the league. They need to know where this team is going to play next year. A few weeks ago, I said 30 days. I think we're getting close to that. Sooner or later, we're just going to make a decision and go with that."

Mellon Arena is forty-five years old. The Pittsburgh Pirates are a perennial loser. They have not won a championship since 1979. They have not won their division since 1992. In 2001, they opened PNC Park, a beautiful baseball facility. The Penguins last playoff appearance occurred six seasons ago. Why are they unworthy of a new arena?

The city had better get serious. Houston does not deserve hockey. Neither does Kansas City. Pittsburgh does. However, they are challenging their team’s loyalty. Loyalty is bilateral. This great hockey city must show loyalty.