Heinz History Center unveils new Pittsburgh hockey wing

The Pens dropped the puck on Thursday afternoon, but not for a hockey game.
A puck drop marked the official opening of the new Penguins' exhibit, A Great Day for Hockey, at the Senator John Heinz History Center, which will officially open to the public on Jan. 26.

"What a great day for hockey," said Pens CEO and president David Morehouse. "This is a great time to sit back and reflect, and see how fortunate we have been as Penguins fans to be able to watch the players that have come through Pittsburgh, and to watch five Stanley Cup champions."
Morehouse added: "I think we can knock out a wall to expand if we bring another (Cup) home this year or in the next two years."
The exhibit features special artifacts like sticks, jerseys, eggs (from the 1992 Stanley Cup win), goalie masks, a life-size wax statue of Mario Lemieux hoisting the Stanley Cup - the iconic image from the '91 championship - and much more.

"We've been here since 1967 and have become part of the fabric of Pittsburgh sports," Morehouse said. "Just to show the people what they've been able to witness. To have these players come to Pittsburgh and play here, there's not a town on the continent that has been as fortunate as we have to have such great talent.
"When you see it all together, it's awe inspiring."
Bill Kassling, a part owner of the Penguins, and UPMC provided much of the funding while the Pens provided video and photos. The goalie masks and other item were provided by Pens equipment manager Dana Heinze.
"I think (Heinze), who provided a lot of the masks and equipment, cleaned out his garage," Morehouse joked.

The display feature all aspects of hockey history in the city of Pittsburgh, including Olympians - Pittsburgh native and gold medal winner Dan McCoy attended the unveiling - the Yellow Jackets, Hornets and Pittsburgh Pennies women's squad.
The wing has interactive videos, games and even a bubble hockey table. There is also a wall detailing the entire 50-plus year history of the Penguins franchise with key dates, events and corresponding pictures.
"The foundation of Pittsburgh is built on steel, the heart and soul of the region is the sports teams," Morehouse said. "Our cultural heritage is great. Having this be part of the cultural heritage of Pittsburgh is appropriate."