You can catch Sean Avery, the New York Rangers' bad boy with the blue eyes, in a slightly different role in "The Rocket," a movie about former Canadiens star Maurice "Rocket" Richard.

Avery portrays real-life NHL player Bob Dill, a Rangers thug whose mission in the plot is to take out Richard. It's a relatively small part, but it's important to the story line, and Avery does a good job.

"I don't think it was a stretch as far as my acting job," Avery deadpanned the last time the Rangers were in town.

He made his screen debut in the film -- the English version is out on DVD this month -- and has since done a few smaller projects in an attempt to lay groundwork for a future in acting.

"I don't know if my character range would expand a lot," Avery said. "I would probably be kind of typecast as an angry or dry guy.

"I don't think my dramatic range would go too far as far as crying or anything too soft."

There aren't always viable athletes around to play athletes and other sports figures. Finding actors for those roles can be a challenge.

Sometimes, they hit the jackpot. Kurt Russell nailed the role of Herb Brooks in "Miracle." Tom Atkins magically morphs into Steelers founder Art Rooney in the play, "The Chief."

Assuming they become famous enough to be portrayed in a movie or theatrical venture, who would play our local athletes and sports figures?

With some allowances for age, height and accent -- hey, we're new at this -- here's a stab at some casting:

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin -- Omar Epps. It's the eyes.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger -- Peter Krause.

Steelers chairman Dan Rooney -- Paul Newman.

Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau -- Ed Harris.

Steelers running back Willie Parker -- Taye Diggs.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu -- Adam Beach.

Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton -- Forest Whitaker.

Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor -- Damon Wayans.

Steelers guard Kendall Simmons -- Chi McBride.

Steelers linebacker James Farrior -- Terrence Howard.

Steelers kicker Jeff Reed -- Will Farrell.

Steelers defensive tackle Chris Hoke -- Louis CK.

Steelers punter Daniel Sepulveda -- Chris Isaak or Nick Lachey.

Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson -- Casey Affleck.

Pirates infielder Freddy Sanchez -- Freddy Rodriguez.

Pirates outfielder Jason Bay -- Barry Pepper.

Pirates pitcher Solomon Torres -- Don Cheadle.

Pirates president Frank Coonelly -- Dennis Quaid.

Pirates owner Bob Nutting -- Johhny Depp.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby -- Brandon Routh.

Penguins coach Michel Therrien -- Daniel Craig.

Penguins general manager Ray Shero -- Gary Sinese.

Penguins longtime executive Eddie Johnston -- Robert Duvall.

Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney -- He would say Will Farrell, but the call here is Ben Affleck. Besides, Farrell is taken, above.

Penguins forward Colby Armstrong -- Michael Cera.

Pitt football coach Dave Wannstedt -- Tom Selleck. With the mustache, of course.

Pitt quarterback Pat Bostick -- Ryan Phillippe.

Pitt men's basketball coach Jamie Dixon -- Paul Rudd.

Pitt women's basketball coach Agnus Berenato -- Jane Fonda.

Penn State football coach Joe Paterno -- Joe Pesci (forgive me).

Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli -- Jason Biggs.

West Virginia football coach Rich Rodriguez -- James Gandolfini after a diet.

West Virginia men's basketball coach Bob Huggins -- Daniel Baldwin.

Duquesne women's basketball coach Suzie McConnell Serio -- Felicity Hoffman.

Robert Morris football coach Joe Walton -- Robert Alda.

Robert Morris women's basketball coach Sal Buscaglia -- Gary Burghoff.

Olympic sprinter Lauryn Williams -- Fantasia Barrino.

Olympic gold medal hurdler and California, Pa., coach Roger Kingdom -- Wesley Snipes.