After their game in Buffalo on February 5, the Pittsburgh Penguins players who were not heading to Italy for the Olympics took advantage of a week-long break. Many chose to travel to warm destinations, focusing on rest and recovery.
Kris Letang noted the importance of this pause in the season: “It’s a nice and long break. And a lot of guys were hurt during the first half, also. So, many guys had to step up, take more ice time. Maybe they have some bumps and bruises. It’s great to have that time off and recharge your battery, heal up and get ready for the last stretch.”
Several team members shared details about their vacations:
Noel Acciari spent time in Turks and Caicos with Bryan Rust before heading to Naples, Florida. He said, “In Turks and Caicos, I learned how to play mahjong. They taught me how to play, so that was fun. We were by the pool, and we played. We had some good dinners, and watched the Super Bowl in Turks, and played mahjong while watching the Super Bowl. We were intense. Enjoyed some quietness without the kids, and then we were in Naples. I was at the pool a lot. Dinners at the pool, chasing the kids around, going in the pool, it was just lowkey.”
Bryan Rust described his trips as equally enjoyable but different: “They were equally as fun in completely different ways.”
Ryan Shea traveled with teammates Kevin Hayes, Connor Dewar, Parker Wotherspoon as well as former Penguins Danton Heinen and Matt Grzelcyk to Anguilla: “Jules Heinen and Kev’s wife pretty much set it up. They just asked a bunch of people if they wanted to go. I know a lot of guys already had plans pretty quick, but some of us didn’t. So, we got a good little crew. It was good seeing Grzelcyk and Heinen, too. It was nice to get on the beach, in the water for four days. We had 80-degree weather… Best thing we did—we had a boat day… The food was really good… I did try sushi for the first time there.”
Stuart Skinner visited The Bahamas: “That was my first time there… Beautiful there… The water was the clearest I’ve ever seen.” Tommy Novak also spent his week on an island near Exuma with his girlfriend.
Brett Kulak went with his family to Pompano Beach: “We were in Pompano Beach… It kind of feels like home… Lots of pool time, beach time… We did Palm Beach Zoo… rode that water taxi.”
Anthony Mantha stayed closer due to family reasons: “We went without the kiddos (daughters Naomie and Vivianne). My wife Caitlyn is 32 weeks pregnant… Grandma came and babysat… relaxing few days.”
Ilya Solovyov enjoyed Fort Lauderdale: “It was me, my family, and my friends from Texas… You can honestly do anything that you want in Florida… This was our second time in Florida.”
Connor Clifton attended a wedding in New Jersey before heading south: “Actually one of my good buddies was getting married in Jersey on Friday night… Flew out next day at 10 (AM) to Florida… went down to Clearwater Beach until Thursday… Then we went to Disney World for a couple days.”
The Pittsburgh Penguins are recognized for their strong presence within professional hockey circles through numerous playoff appearances as well as having Hall of Fame players among their ranks according to their official website. The franchise is owned by Fenway Sports Group which oversees business operations (source). Their home games are hosted at PPG Paints Arena located downtown (source). Beyond competition success—such as division titles—the team has established significant ties with fans across Pittsburgh’s sports culture (source).
