Since 12-14-96
PITTSBURGH-- The financially-troubled Penguins are once again searching for money. Penguins' spokesman Tom McMillan confirmed Friday that a second proposal was sent to re-name the Civic Arena has been sent to Allegheny Energy, Inc., an electrical company based in Hagerstown, Maryland. The company and the Penguins hope to have the arena re-named by October, when the '98-'99 hockey season kicks off. Eight months ago, the team sent a proposal to Allegheny Energy, Inc. offering rights to re-name the Civic Arena. But the deal fell through when the owners of the Civic Arena voted against a name change. Once again, the team and the energy company still need approval from the Civic Arena ownership group. The chairpeople of the Arena were not informed of this proposal, which may be a reason why they sued the Penguins last month for $1 million in overdue rent.
Mike Petre
PITTSBURGH-- The Penguins have re-signed centers Stu Barnes and Sean Pronger, as well as defenseman Brad Werenka. Barnes and Pronger signed for one year each, while Werenka signed for two years. Stu Barnes, who last year played on the Pens' top line with Jaromir Jagr and ex-Pen Ron Francis, scored 30 goals and tallied 65 points, both career highs. December 12th marked his 100th goal of his career against Phoenix, and Barnes also picked up a hat trick against New Jersey on January 10th. Barnes' contract will pay him up to $1 million. Sean Pronger, who was acquired at the trade deadline from Anahiem for the rights to former goaltending "phenom" Patrick Lalime, scored one goal and was a -1 in five regular season games with Pittsburgh. He was held pointless in six playoff games. He tallied five goals and 15 assists for twenty points with the Mighty Ducks before the trade. Pronger will now be more relied upon as a consistent center, following the loss of the Hall of Fame-bound Francis. Pronger's contract guaranties him $500,00 next season. Brad Werenka was a very pleasant suprise to the always-questionable Penguin defensive core. Very solid in his own zone, and with some offensive ability, Werenka scored 3 goals and chalked up 18 points in 71 regular season games. He led all Penguins defensemen with a +14 plus/minus rating. Werenka will receive $1.1 million dollars over the next two seasons.
Mike Petre
PITTSBURGH-- Domenic Pittis, the Penguins second choice, 53rd overall, in the 1993 entry draft, has signed with the Buffalo Sabres. Terms were undisclosed. Pittis, who played one game as a Penguin in 1996-97, was an unrestricted free agent. His biggest hockey moment up to now was being named to the WHL East Second All Star team in 1994.
Mike Petre
PITTSBURGH (AP)-- J. Garvin Warden is going from the Oven to the Igloo. The corporate turnaround specialist who assisted the troubled Italian Oven restaurant chain was hired Friday as acting chief executive officer of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The NHL team plays its home games in the Igloo. Warden's responsibilities will include choosing a long-term chief executive for the financially troubled club, co-owner Roger Marino said. "We need a go-to guy at the senior management level, and Garvin comes very highly recommended," Marino said. "He has plenty of experience in analyzing the problems of struggling companies, then developing strategies for a turnaround. And he shares our goal of ensuring the long-term health of professional hockey in Pittsburgh." The Penguins have lost $17.5 million during the last 14 months. The 50-year-old Warden also is a former Navy demolition specialist.
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