After being selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round of the 2025 NHL Draft, defenseman Charlie Trethewey returned to a familiar place. “It was surreal, getting on that plane,” Charlie said about his journey to join the Penguins program.
Charlie’s father, Bob Trethewey, grew up in Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh’s South Hills area. Bob’s connection to hockey began with Mario Lemieux’s influence when he was just ten years old. “That stretch between ‘84 and when they made those two Cup runs, we just became obsessed,” Bob recalled.
The family has deep roots in Pittsburgh. When Charlie played for DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, he and his father stayed with Bill Trethewey, Charlie’s grandfather. They lived in the same house where Bob grew up and celebrated past Stanley Cup victories.
Bob shared how returning for development camp felt surreal: “My dad said, I can’t believe I’m heading up 79 North again, but it’s for a whole different reason!” The family’s love for hockey persisted despite limited opportunities during Bob’s youth due to few rinks available at that time.
The arrival of Lemieux inspired growth in local hockey culture over time. This growth influenced Bob’s decision to involve Charlie in Pens Elite for his 14U years at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. “The reputation was through the roof,” Bob said about Pens Elite.
Charlie’s path led him from Maryland to Michigan before joining USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. At the draft event itself, both parents were overwhelmed with emotion when Charlie was picked by their hometown team.
Reflecting on their journey together as a family divided between states but united by supportiveness toward each other’s dreams; it is clear they hold no regrets regarding decisions made along this path towards achieving success within professional sports circles while maintaining strong familial bonds throughout challenging times apart geographically yet close emotionally through shared experiences like Sunday dinners prepared lovingly by Uncle Sam or attending memorable games live wearing Sidney Crosby jerseys cherished fondly forevermore amidst lasting memories created collectively across generations united under one common passion: hockey!
