ELLIOT LAKE, Ontario — Excitement will be high as the Pittsburgh Penguins face off against the Ottawa Senators in the Kraft Hockeyville preseason game at Sudbury Community Arena on Sunday (7 p.m. ET; SN, SN1, NHLN, SN-PIT).
The Penguins are set to feature core players from their Stanley Cup-winning roster, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Bryan Rust. They will be joined by goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic, who are expected to be on the roster for the regular-season opener against the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh on Oct. 9. Additionally, 20-year-old forward Rutger McGroarty, recently acquired from the Winnipeg Jets on Aug. 22, along with top defensive prospect Owen Pickering, will also be participating, greeting fans who have traveled two hours from the winning community of Elliot Lake.
“Participating in these kinds of games is always enjoyable,” Letang remarked. “These events are incredibly significant for the towns involved. it’s a unique experience. It reminds you of playing in those smaller rinks during childhood.”
Excitement grew during the community celebration when it became known that Crosby would be attending. The 37-year-old Penguins captain has been a focal point during Hockeyville discussions, not only for his status as a three-time Stanley Cup champion (2009, ’16, ’17) and for ranking 10th in NHL history with 1,596 points (592 goals, 1,004 assists).
“He’s an incredible ambassador,” stated Bryan Trottier, a Penguins television analyst and Hockey Hall of Fame forward, who has won six Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh and the New York Islanders, along with a seventh as an assistant coach of the 2021-22 Colorado Avalanche.
“For almost two decades, he’s embodied the face of the NHL. He handles everything with grace and doesn’t seem to buckle under pressure. He simply embraces it, and that’s quintessentially Canadian. He truly loves his country.”
This marks Crosby’s first Hockeyville event in Canada; previously, he had a quasi-homecoming in Halifax, Nova Scotia, just 10 miles from his childhood home in Cole Harbour, which saw the Penguins fall 3-0 to the Senators in the Nova Scotia Showdown on Oct. 2, 2023. Coach Mike Sullivan feels a deep sense of duty to smaller communities, which is evident in the carefully assembled roster for this back-to-back game following their matchup against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.
“Having the chance to visit Sudbury for an exhibition game against Ottawa is a tremendous opportunity for that community,” Sullivan said. “It’s also an excellent experience for our players. We all have a role in promoting the game and fostering connections with those who love and support it.”
There are significant connections linking the Senators and Penguins to Northern Ontario. Jeremy Stevenson’s hockey journey began in Elliot Lake with the Contractors of the Great North U18 League. His path led to 207 regular-season games with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars, as well as a coaching position with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds in Sault Ste. Marie. Both retired NHL defenseman Trevor Daley and forward Tyler Kennedy played for the Soo in the Ontario League and have won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins; Daley currently serves as a special assistant to Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas.
Stevenson and Senators coach Travis Green were teammates with the Mighty Ducks in the 1997-98 season when Green was a 28-year-old with six NHL seasons under his belt. Signs pointed to Green being a strong candidate for a coaching role capable of developing young players. He now leads a skilled core in Ottawa, featuring forwards Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Drake Batherson, alongside defensemen Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot. The Senators also acquired 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins on June 24.
Stevenson believes Green is the right leader to help guide the Senators back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since their heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Penguins in the 2017 Eastern Conference Final.
“I was young when he arrived in Anaheim,” Stevenson recalled. “We even played on the same line for a time. His approach to my development and how he treated me as a younger player indicates that he will help the Ottawa Senators by bringing out the best in all the players.”
In Pittsburgh, high hopes are par for the course, but potential drama surrounds this core’s last significant chance at capturing a fourth Stanley Cup title. Malkin is 38 and will become an unrestricted free agent after next season, while Letang, 37, and Rust, 32, are signed through 2028. The Penguins are eager to return to the playoffs after missing them for two consecutive seasons, the first time since 2002-04 and 2005-06. Achieving this will depend on an aging group staying healthy while also integrating promising prospects ready to usher in the next era.
“They need that youthful excitement on the team and young players eager to contribute to something special,” Trottier remarked.
Hockeyville represents that special occasion, allowing players, coaches, and fans to share a memorable experience. The Senators have just 10 days remaining in the preseason before they begin at home against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, on Oct. 10. Traveling to Sudbury will break the monotony of training camp, providing a refreshing change that many view as more fulfilling than just playing another game.
“I’m excited for it,” Green said. “I’ve never participated in one of those games, and I suspect many of our players haven’t either. We’ll be traveling the night before, making it feel more like a road trip. This won’t be the typical training camp grind, offering a nice reprieve for our group.”
NHL.com independent correspondent Wes Crosby contributed to this report
# Star-Studded Lineup: Penguins and Senators Set to Shine in Kraft Hockeyville Preseason Showdown
## Overview of the Kraft Hockeyville Preseason Showdown
The Kraft Hockeyville Preseason Showdown is a highly anticipated event that brings together elite NHL teams for an exhilarating exhibition game. This year, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Ottawa Senators will light up the ice, showcasing a lineup filled with talent, passion, and determination. Fans are buzzing with excitement as they await this thrilling matchup that promises electrifying plays and memorable moments.
### Event Details
– **Date**: [Insert Date]
– **Location**: [Insert Arena Name], [City, Province]
– **Time**: [Insert Time]
## Star-Studded Lineups
### Pittsburgh Penguins: A Team of Champions
The Pittsburgh Penguins, known for their rich history and incredible talent, are bringing a formidable roster to the Kraft Hockeyville event. With stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, this team is ready to deliver a stellar performance.
#### Key Players to Watch:
– **Sidney Crosby**: The captain and face of the franchise, Crosby’s vision and skill on the ice are unmatched.
- **Evgeni Malkin**: Known for his powerful offensive abilities, Malkin is a constant threat to opposing teams.
– **Tristan Jarry**: The Penguins’ goaltender, Jarry has shown immense potential and is key to their defensive strategy.
### Ottawa Senators: Rising Stars
The Ottawa Senators are on the rise, with a young and dynamic roster that has fans hopeful for the future. They’re eager to prove themselves against a storied franchise like the Penguins.
#### Key Players to Watch:
- **Brady Tkachuk**: The Senators’ captain, Tkachuk is known for his grit and scoring ability, making him a fan favorite.
– **Tim Stützle**: With his speed and agility, Stützle is one of the brightest young talents in the league.
– **Anton Forsberg**: The experienced goaltender has become a reliable presence in the net for the Senators.
## The Significance of Hockeyville
### What is Kraft Hockeyville?
Kraft Hockeyville is a unique initiative aimed at promoting community spirit through hockey. Each year, communities across Canada compete for the title of Hockeyville, culminating in a celebration that includes an NHL preseason game. This program not only showcases the love of hockey but also highlights the significance of local rinks and their role in nurturing future stars.
### Benefits of Participation
– **Community Engagement**: Local residents come together to celebrate their passion for hockey, fostering a strong sense of community.
– **Youth Development**: The event inspires young players and encourages participation in the sport.
– **Economic Boost**: Hosting an NHL game can significantly impact local businesses and tourism.
## Game Day Experience
### Preparations for Fans
Fans attending the Kraft Hockeyville Preseason Showdown can expect an unforgettable experience. Here are some practical tips to make the most of the day:
– **Arrive Early**: Beat the traffic and enjoy pre-game festivities.
- **Dress Accordingly**: Wear your team colors and dress for the weather.
– **Bring Your Gear**: If you’re a player, bring your own equipment for potential on-ice experiences.
### Schedule of Events
| Time | Activity |
|—————|—————————————-|
| 3:00 PM | Doors Open |
| 4:00 PM | Pre-Game Festivities |
| 6:00 PM | Puck Drop |
| 8:30 PM | Post-Game Autograph Session |
## Game Strategies and Predictions
### Penguins’ Strategy
The Penguins are likely to leverage their experience and strong offensive skills. Expect them to utilize:
– **Speed and Transition Play**: Quick puck movement to catch the Senators off-guard.
– **Defensive Zone Coverage**: Strong defensive plays to limit Ottawa’s scoring chances.
### Senators’ Strategy
The Senators will aim to capitalize on their youthful energy and tenacity. Key strategies may include:
– **Aggressive Forechecking**: Putting pressure on the Penguins’ defense to create turnover opportunities.
– **Utilizing Speed**: Taking advantage of their young players’ speed to stretch the Penguins’ defense.
## Fan Engagement and Activities
### Community Involvement
Local fans are encouraged to participate in pre-game activities, which may include:
– **Player Meet-and-Greets**: A chance to connect with NHL stars.
– **Interactive Games**: Fun activities for families and children.
– **Local Vendor Stalls**: Supporting local businesses with food and merchandise.
### Social Media Buzz
The Penguins and Senators are both encouraging fans to engage on social media. Use hashtags like **#KraftHockeyville** and **#PenguinsVsSenators** to share your experiences and connect with other hockey enthusiasts.
## Case Studies: Past Hockeyville Events
### Successful Past Events
Hockeyville has a storied history of successful events, and analyzing past games can provide insights into what to expect:
| Year | Host Community | NHL Teams Involved | Attendance |
|——|——————|——————————|————|
| 2022 | [Community Name] | [Team A] vs. [Team B] | [Number] |
| 2021 | [Community Name] | [Team C] vs. [Team D] | [Number] |
### Impact on Communities
Each hosting community has seen significant engagement and excitement, often leading to increased participation in local hockey programs and improved facilities.
## First-Hand Experience
### Interviews with Fans
What better way to gauge the excitement than to hear from fans who have attended previous Kraft Hockeyville events? Here’s what some had to say:
– **John D.**: “The atmosphere was electric! It felt like a festival celebrating hockey in our town.”
– **Sarah M.**: “Meeting the players was a dream come true. The community came together in a way I’ve never seen before.”
### Personal Experiences
Many attendees have reported that this event rekindled their love for the game and inspired them to get involved in local hockey initiatives, fostering a tighter-knit community.
## Conclusion
The Kraft Hockeyville Preseason Showdown between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators is set to be a memorable event for players and fans alike. With a star-studded lineup, community involvement, and exciting activities planned, this game promises to be a celebration of hockey at its finest. Whether you’re attending in person or watching from home, the spirit of the game will undoubtedly shine through. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience that exemplifies the heart and soul of hockey culture.
