Veteran Pittsburgh Penguins player Bryan Rust reflected on the past year after a recent practice, sharing his top moments both on and off the ice. When asked about the most significant organizational achievement, Rust pointed to Sidney Crosby surpassing Mario Lemieux in a key milestone. “On the ice, organizationally, it happened obviously recently – Sid passing Mario,” Rust said. “I think as an organization, for him, for the team, for the city, to be able to see that is pretty special. How much he means to everybody, to the city, to the organization, to the fans… to see him pass THE Mario Lemieux, I think it was cool.”
Rust also discussed his personal achievements: “And then for me personally, I think scoring 30 goals for the first time, in the last game of last season. Off the ice, my daughter was born. That’s an easy one.” When asked what he would like to leave behind in 2025, Rust replied without hesitation: “Inconsistent hockey.”
Other players shared their own highlights and reflections from 2025. Tommy Novak emphasized positivity: “I would just say negativity.” Rutger McGroarty spoke about reducing screen time: “I want to leave behind my phone,” he said. “I just want to get off the grid… I would probably say limit my time on the phone because, besides texting loved ones, teammates, and getting a schedule, there’s really no reason to be on your phone. It’s just a waste of time.”
McGroarty described his first career goal as his best on-ice moment and recalled a trip with his girlfriend as his favorite off-ice memory. Justin Brazeau highlighted his first hat trick and becoming a father as standout moments.
Tommy Novak cited scoring his first goal with Pittsburgh as a key event and mentioned getting a golden retriever puppy off the ice. Ben Kindel noted playing in his first game and being drafted as important milestones.
Ryan Shea remembered going plus-five in a game against Chicago and appreciated having his brother join him during a Dads Trip with the team.
Erik Karlsson named playing against Canada at 4 Nations as a special experience despite losing that match and marked his oldest child starting kindergarten as an important family event.
Rickard Rakell also referenced participating at 4 Nations—especially during the national anthem—and welcomed another child into his family this year.
Anthony Mantha reflected on returning from injury after nearly a year away from play: “Probably my first regular-season game back from injury after 11 months. That was my proudest game… just battling back from injury and playing in that game.” He also valued building a family with his wife.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are based in Pittsburgh and compete in the National Hockey League (NHL). The organization has won multiple Stanley Cup championships since its founding in 1967 and is recognized for its strong fan traditions and community involvement official website. The team hosts home games at PPG Paints Arena in downtown Pittsburgh official website.
The Penguins have been home to Hall of Fame players such as Mario Lemieux and maintain youth development programs along with various community initiatives official website. The franchise is owned by Fenway Sports Group official website.
As another year ends, players look back on personal growth while aiming for continued success both individually and collectively within one of hockey’s most established organizations official website.
