After returning from a win in Columbus, members of the Pittsburgh Penguins gathered at Bryan Rust’s home to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers secure a playoff spot with a victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Rust and his wife Kelsey organized the gathering for teammates and their families.
“It was good. It was fun. Everybody was into it,” Rust said. “With how packed the schedule has been, we haven’t had too many opportunities to get together as a team. It was an opportunity that my wife and I saw, like, hey, let’s just get everybody over our house. We don’t have a babysitter [laughs], so let’s just have everybody come over here.”
Rust made it home in time for kickoff while others arrived during the first quarter, where they found various food options available.
“Since we had a few days between games, we decided to go with some cheat meals there,” Rust said. “Had some Shake Shack, some wings, pizza, Condado Tacos. Then some cinnamon rolls as well.”
When asked if he took advice from Sidney Crosby on hosting team events—a tradition for American Thanksgiving and Super Bowl—Rust replied: “I’ve learned what not to do,” adding, “That’s all I’m going to say! I’ve learned what not to do.”
Crosby responded with humor: “I would love to hear what that is,” Crosby said with a laugh. “I thought he did a great job (hosting). It’s great when you get together and get a big win. We were watching both games [also Canada’s loss to Czechia in the World Junior Championship semifinals], so we got one result that we wanted, and not so much the other one. For me, anyway. But it was great to have the guys together, and nice of him and Kels to host.”
Goaltender Stuart Skinner appreciated the chance to connect with teammates outside of hockey.
“I haven’t watched a ton of football this year. But once I obviously got traded over here, I was pretty excited,” Skinner said. “And I want to go see a game! Happy to see them win. But yeah, it was great being able to go and meet up with the team, and meet the wives and everyone’s other half. And I think it’s just a good way to really meet the guys and sit down and not be in a situation where it’s all hockey, and actually talk and be human.”
Skinner also commented on Pittsburgh’s sports culture: “It’s unreal,” he said. “Like obviously, being able to play and hearing all the noise that the fans make and how incredible this fan base is, it’s honestly so fun. And then obviously we’ve got some amazing teams here. So yeah, it’s pretty cool. Like I’m pumped.”
The Penguins are part of Pittsburgh’s strong sports community identity alongside other major teams such as the Steelers according to their official website. The franchise has built traditions through community involvement since its founding in 1967 and competes in the National Hockey League. They play home games at PPG Paints Arena in downtown Pittsburgh.
The organization has achieved multiple Stanley Cup championships and is recognized for consistent performance in league competition. The Penguins’ activities contribute significantly to local sports culture and maintain ties within their fanbase through events like these informal gatherings.
