Penguins pay for kids' concussion tests

Kudos to the Pittsburgh Penguins for stepping up by helping local minor hockey monitor concussions.
Fox News reports the NHL team's foundation is funding baseline testing for young players - the same type of testing minor hockey organizations in Ontario have sometimes offered for free.
Of course the Penguins know all about concussions in hockey. The world's best player, Pens captain Sidney Crosby, has been sidelined for months because of a stupid hit that resulted in a concussion.
Still, their concern for kids and captain Crosby doesn't stop the Penguins from employing perhaps the dummest, most reckless player in the NHL. If the Penguins really wanted to make a statement that would lead to some common sense in pro and youth hockey, they'd turf Matt Cooke today.

Penguins GM gets it right on Matt Cooke

I like what Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero said about the NHL suspension of player Matt Cooke for a stupid elbow to the head of a New York Ranger. Next move: Get Cooke off the team, and maybe out of the NHL.
Here's the Shero statement:

Ray Shero Statement on Matt Cooke Suspension

Monday, 03.21.2011 / 5:40 PM / Features

Pittsburgh Penguins

Following is a statement from Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Ray Shero after the National Hockey League ruled today that Penguins forward Matt Cooke will be suspended for the rest of the regular season (10 games) and the first round of the playoffs:

“The suspension is warranted because that’s exactly the kind of hit we’re trying to get out of the game. Head shots have no place in hockey. We’ve told Matt in no uncertain terms that this kind of action on the ice is unacceptable and cannot happen. Head shots must be dealt with severely, and the Pittsburgh Penguins support the NHL in sending this very strong message.”

Crosby could change hockey

Does Sidney Crosby really want to change the tone of both the NHL and minor hockey everywhere?
All the world's best player has to do is say he wants Matt Cooke off his team, even before the NHL and the lame players' association deal with a suspension over the rogue player's latest offence, a nasty elbow to the head of a fellow players' association member.
Crosby has the power, influence and respect to make a difference - assuming he's thinking clearly enough to do it as he recovers from a significant concussion himself.
Kids are watching, captain.

Winter Classic: Toronto or Montreal?

C'mon NHL. It's time for a Winter Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Rain delay aside today in Pittsburgh, the Penguins are rockin' with the organization of this year's event featuring an invitation minor hockey tournament and alumni game between the Pens and Capitals.
I'd vote for Montreal hosting the next classic - it's colder there - and the opposition just has to be the Leafs.
The minor hockey and alumni components would be a huge draw.
Check our Scott Morrison's thoughts on the Classic here.

Celebrating on centre ice?

Sure, I drink Maple Leafs kool-aid, but this? The Pittsburgh Penguins have bottled and are selling melted ice from the old Igloo. I think it may stay on the shelves of hardcore Penguins fans, but never in their guts.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/884510--would-you-pay-40-for-a-bottle-of-mellon-arena?bn=1