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Pens Newbie Corner: New to the Pens, or Hockey? Here’s a Good Resolution to Finish Right Away!

Saturday, January 1st, 2011

WATCH THE WINTER CLASSIC. Do it. You will not regret it, if you’re really thinking seriously about getting into this sport. Or even if you’re just curious. I don’t really even care who you cheer for at this point, especially if you’re really new and impressionable! *winknudge* Just watch! ;)

There are so many countless reasons to see the 2011 NHL Winter Classic, here are a few that strike me:

- Hockey’s roots lie in the outdoors. You will have the rare chance to see an NHL game at hockey’s real home, in the elements. I spotted this a few weeks ago with a time lapse video of a kid building his own rink outside. You see his dedication to, and love for the sport of hockey. That’s what this game is all about! :)

- Due to the weather, the game has been pushed back from 1 PM to 8 PM. This makes the 2011 Winter Classic an even more special treat than those before it. (Potentially – as long as it’s not delayed and pushed back again!) Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time a Winter Classic would be under the lights, since the days are short. The most recent example of this is last year’s Bruins overtime win over the Flyers, which only hints at what we’d have throughout the whole game in terms of contrasts… and we could have it all during primetime, too! :) Here is the view (and ensuing craziness) from a fan’s perspective:


Originally posted by YouTuber gallantsarah.

- The possibilities for Sidney Crosby’s performance are exciting. Even those new to hockey just might have heard the name… Having been more of a Sabres fan previously, I got to watch his magic against goalie Ryan Miller as an astounded but admiring rival fan during the 2008 Winter Classic when he lifted the Pens over the Sabres in a shootout win. This time around, I get to see Sid the Kid from the perspective of a fully supportive Pens fan! Whoever you cheer for, it is undeniable that Crosby is something special as a hockey player. Admit it. Here’s a fan’s view of the goal and celebration:


Originally posted by YouTuber roller81.

- Being a Pens supporting blog, this reason is more of a goodie for Pens fans, old and new! That being the news of Jordan Staal’s return. He was to be a game-time decision for the Winter Classic, but reports say it looks like he’ll play. This is exciting news for everyone! Old fans finally get to see his return! For Pens newbies this season, like myself, we can sense the anticipation of seeing a player who has a major impact for the Pens in the lineup for the first time!

Those are just four big reasons why I plan to push as hard as I can to watch the entire Winter Classic in primetime as the only Pens fan in my home with one tv (as long as it’s on). I’m taking that risk, haha!

I have my reasons to watch this memorable event. Definitely more than just these. Time for yours! …By the way, Happy New Year! :)

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Pens Newbie Corner – What If That Game Was* More Exciting?!

Saturday, November 27th, 2010

(*Grammar Nazis: “had been.”) …I would probably crap myself. Or puke. Or have a heart attack, involuntarily rip my hair out, or the like. But no, the Penguins visiting the Sabres in HSBC Arena this Wednesday was perfect for me as a game to attend, and a win to boot! :D

This is just an opinion post. It’s not any kind of in-depth summary or review, or anything like that. So if you’re looking for one of these, you are welcome to go elsewhere. You can find one in plenty of places at this point, probably starting here. …For those who are staying, there’s a slideshow at the end, wooOOOooo!!!

…My first attendance at an NHL game ever… I like that. :) It was definitely a new experience for me, a great starting point when it comes to attending NHL games! There were sooooo many new things to absorb, and I tried my best to soak in as much as I could. The fact that I had such a striking visual did so much good in helping me learn more, especially about the players themselves!

Things that I, personally discovered by attending this game… ;)

- Don’t ever feel so embarrassed when you do things dedicated to one goalie playing that evening and it turns out another’s in net. Loosen up, tightass. Get over yourself. Nobody really cares, and shit happens. That actually goes for all players.

- Comrie (who still sucked, I’m no good luck charm) is not #14, he’s #19. #14 is Kunitz. Close considering my handwriting, but when was I writing? …No cigar. Slacker. *cough*

- Dupuis is #9-not-8. While texting, remember to use the “my finger slipped” excuse FIRST, then immediately admit your mistake and joke about it, not vice versa. *innocent whistle*

- Intermission: stomach or bladder. Pick one. In some cases, you’ll probably miss the beginning of the next period anyway. It’s all about priorities.

- Geno didn’t score for you. This is unacceptable. He should be traded. Or you should forgive him. Just make up your damn mind, you snob.

- Third star of the game Sid rocks your socks more than you like to admit. First star Fleury’s back, bitch. You still love Johnson’s Led Zeppelin masks best, though, and that’s perfectly okay.

…Now to the pics!! Some are from my cell, a few twitpic’ed already. Most were taken with a (5+ year old) digital camera – whose clock reset to midnight February 2nd 2006 mid-game, UGH. But no worries! I chronologized (BIG WORD) allll the pics just for you! …Sorry for some blurry shots. Also, my sense of placement and timing is magnificent. …Trust me, I got rid of the really bad ones, haha! I am no expert photographer, that’s for sure… Plus my photo editing skillz suck, so didn’t bother with that. …You’ll forgive me, right? Heheh :P

Here you go, there are about 50 pics… ENJOYYYYY! :D

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Pens Newbie Corner – And So They Finally Meet…

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

For the first time today, I get to see my hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres… as they play against my new favorite team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, at HSBC Arena. What a strange, yet interesting feeling! But wait, it’s not just feeling..!

What makes it even better and more exciting?? …This will be the first ever real, live NHL game I will be attending in my life!! WOOOOOOOO!!!!!! :D I bought myself the ticket last night!! Section 307, Row 9, Seat 16, get ready to meet my ass!! …Yes, it was pretty spontaneous! Yes, it was an impulse buy! No, I do not regret it and I do not anticipate doing so! This is frikkin’ EXCITING!!!

…As you can probably guess, I’m a Pens newbie, so I’m not too familiar with all specifics on the players, but from what I’ve gathered, here are some my hopes, fairly simple requests, observations, in no particular order:

1) Geno’s big Russian butt had better score at least one goal for me! Cause apparently he really sucks now. Otherwise, trade him!

2) Could it be possible that I might become Comrie’s good luck charm?? If he skates that is, which he might. …In any case, I sure as hell hope not. I’d probably only be there for him tomorrow and maaayyyybe when the Pens make a return trip to HSBC Arena on December 11th. :P

3) Brent Johnson is in net tonight, first time in seven games! Wooo! …But please, Pens players, don’t leave your goalie on his own **quite so much. Makes me nervous. (I’m talkin’ especially about the power play and defense. Current defense, not Leopold.) Feel free to hang around the Sabres’ kid, though! (goalie info)

4) Since he’s in Buffalo for the moment, Letang should get a haircut here, maybe. (Noooo, I didn’t say shear it all off! Geez!)

Feel free to add any other, or more specific ideas for the Pens’ success tonight, heheh! I’ll be sure to cheer my full intent with them in mind! ;)

…I borrowed back my old digital camera which I gave to my sister. Hopefully, I can snap you guys some good pics if I can relearn how to use it, haha …In any case, whether I’ll have lots of good photographic evidence to post or not, you guys can be sure I will have furthered my Pens education! I’ll be a changed fan for sure, by the next time you see me on PensHead…… :)



I would like to add: I will have my cell phone with me. Despite battery and camera limitations, you guys can probably expect at least a few “live-twitpic’ed” moments, as well as perhaps some commentary during the game on my Twitter page! Join in a bit on this unprecedented journey of mine as it happens!

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Pens Newbie Corner – A (Delayed) Toast to Geno, and to the Pens!

Thursday, November 18th, 2010

I don’t really drink, at alllll. …Yes, I have my reasons. But let’s put it all this way: my 21st birthday was in April, it’s November now. One thing I assured myself, was that when the time did come to have that first legal age drink, it would be in celebration of a special occasion!

…And what better to celebrate for, than my first Geno hat trick  as a Pens fan?! It was actually a spur-of-the-moment decision, but after the game was won (NHL.com summary) I knew it was the moment I was looking for – it felt so right!

After the game, since my knowledge of alcohol is (very) limited, I asked for first-timer drink suggestions on Twitter. What better choice than a White Russian?! Haha! I didn’t get around to having it until yesterday, but I happened to be out in the evening, and the Pens won last night too (summary), so I got to join in on that celebration as well!


My review? …YUMMMM! …SO GOOD! …BIG TASTE!

Wooo, Geno! Woooo, Pens! :D

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Welcome to the Pens Newbie Corner – I’m a Newbie and I’m Proud!

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

That’s right! I am the new kid on PensHead! But I am a newbie Pens fan, too. :) So what am I doing here, you may ask? Well…

First of all, let me tell you that this is a bare-bones introduction, just for starters. No pics, no vids, but maybe a link or two… just me sharing with you who this KeysAndParrots person is – KAP for short, or Clara – and then what I plan to do here for you guys! If you want to follow me more closely, my Twitter is here. (I wouldn’t want to tell you that this is about the 4th real blog post in my life, that I’m still learning how to do all this. …Oops! Guess I did! Ignore it!) Let’s begin the real introduction here…

I have been posting comments on PensHead for some time. How did I find it? Well, I clicked on the link in usbzoso’s Twitter bio. How did I find him? …This spring, doing one of my random Twitter searches for Led Zeppelin, sillies! (Yeah, I wouldn’t mind having some time with Jimmy Page, you know, to ask him some silly fangirl questions and whatnot…) … Now, on top of being a Zep fan, I am a Pens fan too. It’s kind of scary how it looks like I’ll fit in just fine here, then! :P

I have admired the Pens for some years in a kind of laid back manner, preferring simply to stick with my hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres. I’m not too ashamed to admit that you could probably say I was bandwagoning a bit even with the Sabs, though. But what you ain’t aware of ain’t hurtin’ ya!

Anyway, I started chatting with usbzoso, and among other things (*cough* loves Led Zeppelin *cough*), I noted his enthusiasm for the Pens – and he’s not even from Pittsburgh! That kind of dedication to his team was what got me to thinking – I see no reason why I couldn’t do the same with my own admiration for the Pens! It didn’t hurt me either that I’ve built up a list of over 100 fellow Pens fans on Twitter too! Shoutout to all you guys who read this! :D

…And now, about six months later, here I am! Obviously, I still have a lot to learn about the Pens. I don’t really even have lots of video or radio stream access for games cause my wireless network at home is crap and I’m poor. So yeah, I have to learn half blind and deaf… But that’s not stopping me! I may not even know every player yet, or be able to match a number or face to a name in under a second… (Remember, blind!) …But it’s the thought that counts and steadily, I’m learning! I’m a Pens sponge! (Quick, somebody find me one of those!)

I will have a lot of new discoveries and “firsts” to share as a Pens fan, as well as some increasing general commentary as I get more confident in my knowledge. :P But for now, I will be starting a new section here on PensHead titled the “Pens Newbie Corner.” Of course, it’s a friendly place that any Pens fan will be able to enjoy! If you are looking to read something that might take you back to your first experiences as a Pens fan, this is the place to be! Or, if you call yourself a “Pens newbie” who’s just starting out and you want a similar point of view, this is the place to be!

Thanks for joining me on the ride! :)

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