Video: Fans show Penguins pride
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Several hundred fans crowded into the Allegheny County Courthouse courtyard today for a Penguins pep rally, even though the team couldn't attend.
Viewers using Macintosh computers are encouraged to download this video in Quicktime format. It is available in two broadband sizes, medium and large.
The Penguins were 500 miles away, preparing for their opening-round playoff game at Ottawa tonight.
Back in Pittsburgh, Linda Trautman, of Crafton Heights, arrived at the rally with a home-made "Stanley Cup" that she crafted in 1992, a year the Penguins won the real thing.
Ms. Trautman was not alone. Scores of fans dressed mostly in black and gold flapped homemade signs and listened to speeches from the rally co-hosts, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. Both politicians shucked their suits in exchange for black Penguins jerseys. Only their gold-and-black striped ties showed above the sweaters' V-necks.
Mr. Ravenstahl said that a video of the rally would be sent to the team so they could watch the rally before the evening's game.
Then, the mayor passed along an announcement that drew the most enthusiasm of the afternoon.
"If you look real closely, you might be wondering if I lost my razor," the mayor said. "The answer is No."
He's growing a playoff beard, he explained, not to be shaved while the Pens Stanley Cup hopes remain alive.
"I hope a month from now, two months from now," Mr. Ravenstahl said, "I look like Grizzly Adams."
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First Published April 11, 2007 4:13 pm
