Penguins Spread Virtual Holiday Cheer at UPMC Children's Hospital
By
Michelle Crechiolo and James Leo @PensInsideScoop / Pittsburgh Penguins
Penguins players Kris Letang, Jake Guentzel, Tristan Jarry, Bryan Rust, Evan Rodrigues, Kasperi Kapanen, Brock McGinn and Danton Heinen - all wearing Santa hats - joined host Becky as she passed along questions from patients joining the conversation from their hospital rooms.
One of them asked how the players deal with the disappointment that comes after a loss. Rodrigues replied that it's important not to dwell on the negatives, saying that they just try to move forward. Becky loved his answer, saying how this sentiment could help some of their patients power through difficult times.
"Obviously, it's holiday time at the hospital. All of our patients could absolutely say they're disappointed to be hanging out with us," Becky said. "We love having them here, but we love it better when they're not with us. I think that's a great lesson to share with them, to focus on the good and maybe not the bad, especially during the holidays."
That was the same sentiment the Penguins had about having to conduct the visits virtually for a second straight year because of COVID-19 restrictions. As Jason Zucker said, they would have loved to stop by and deliver gifts in person. But the players were still grateful that they were still able to spend time with the kids despite the circumstances.
"It's just something we've always done, and I think that it's been a really fun thing to be a part of, as far as being able to meet kids, meet families," Sidney Crosby said. "It's a difficult time, but that being said, it's something that we all feel is really important. It means a lot for everybody. It's really important to keep it going."
The captain made the rounds with Zucker, as the two were transported from room to room by a hospital staffer. Their first stop was with a patient named Corey, who had told his mom he wanted Penguins tickets for Christmas, and ended up getting some through the hospital for Pittsburgh's win over Montreal on Tuesday following the first of six rounds of chemotherapy.
He told the guys that his seats were a few rows behind the Penguins bench. "How was Sully? Could you see him getting on us a bit?" Crosby grinned. Corey actually got on the captain a bit for not scoring a goal that night, with Crosby laughing that he hit the crossbar after Letang's shot grazed off his stick, and that he would've liked to have that one.
"We'll take the two assists, though," Corey said. "It's gonna happen here at some point. I will be watching."
During the show, players were asked their favorite Christmas movies, which is a question that Crosby and Zucker got as well during another stop on the oncology unit. "Mine is Elf," Zucker said. "Oh, that's a good one," Crosby agreed.
That turned out to be the patient's favorite as well, so in a reference to the scene where Buddy makes dessert spaghetti, Crosby asked, "Do you put maple syrup on everything? We have guys who do that on our team, too, for pregame meals. Gets them going." That put a big smile on the patient's face, which is always the goal with these visits.
They then talked football and volleyball with 4-year-old Danny, a patient in the transplant unit, whose dad is a Kansas City Chiefs fan and whose mom works for Pitt volleyball. "But you guys are our favorite hockey team," she said. "And Danny's uncle got him a present for Christmas that he's going to open in front of you guys, if that's okay."
Danny took off the wrapping paper to reveal a Sidney Crosby hockey trading card, a great gift since his mom said he's into sports cards. "Nice! That's awesome. That's a good add to the collection," Zucker said.
After that, it was time for Danny to open his presents from the Penguins, which included a Crosby bobblehead, a Penguins hat, a Love Your Melon beanie (or toque, as many of the guys would say), and a calendar, which Danny was particularly interested in.
"That's Number 58's favorite time, when he does all the photoshoots and stuff," Crosby joked. "He loves that stuff."
Speaking of Number 58 - he lost a holiday-themed game of 'Never Have I Ever' with these questions: have you ever peeked at a Christmas present ("I like surprises"); have you ever watched a Hallmark Christmas movie ("a what? I don't know what that is"); have you ever shopped on Black Friday ("I'm Canadian, doesn't exist"); have you ever sung in a Christmas choir ("Not a chance"); and finally, have you ever cut down your own Christmas tree?
"Tanger is officially the Grinch," Rust laughed.
He might just be, but the defenseman's heart surely grew three sizes after another wonderful visit, which ended with this lovely sentiment from Becky.
"Thank you for all of the time and support you send to our patients and families here. Guys out there, I hoped you enjoyed this visit from the Pens. Please remember that all year long, they are thinking about you. They are supporting you. They are sending you their well wishes. Every time you tune into your games, just know that they are supporting all of us here from afar. Hopefully soon we'll get you guys back here in person. Until then, thank you all so much for giving up your time. We really appreciate it. Patients and families appreciate it. We wish you guys a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
