Before the Pens there were two other professional hockey teams in Pittsburgh. Both of which were very successful. Fist there were the Pirates from 1925-1930. From 1930 to 1967 there were the Hornets. The Hornets won the AHL (American Hockey League) in their final season in 1967.

From 1925 to 1930 when the professional hockey team in Pittsburgh was the Pirates, hockey was not very big at all yet in America. The Pirates joined the original six hockey team. The original six hockey teams were the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadians, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and the Detroit Red Wings. The Pirates were a below average hockey team in the NHL at the time. After the Pirates there were the Pittsburgh Hornets. The Hornets were a minor league hockey team which played in the AHL. They had great success over their years which were from 1930 to 1967.

In the Hornets final season in 1967 they won the American Hockey League. Then the Pittsburgh Penguins first season was in 1967. The Penguins (Pens) are only the second hockey team in Pittsburgh to play in the NHL. They have been very successful over their years. They have only won the Stanley Cup twice. Once in the 1990-1991 season, and again the next year in the 1991-1992 season. The Pens have had many great coaches and players in their history. Some of the Pens more famous coaches were Red Kelly and Herb Brooks. Herb Brooks also coached the 1980 Olympic team which performed "The Miracle On Ice."

Pittsburgh Penguins

Mellon Arena

Mario Lemieux