Pittsburgh

[troy 12]

Are there any rinks convenient to Shadyside area or at least within the city? I took a bit of a tumble on NYE that left with me with a concussion, but I'd like to start skating/playing once I am capable.

[Dr. Funk 6]

Hey Troy,

First, best wishes on your recovery. As an ED doc who takes care of a lot of concussions, I'd just remind you to stay safe/consult with your physician to make sure that you're ready to go before heading out there.

With respect to rinks, there are a fair number of options; however, there's nothing tremendously close to Shadyside. The Penguins maintain a comprehensive list; you can find it at http://penguins.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=66013. If that link doesn't work, just go to the official Penguins website, choose "community" from the top menu bar, then "amateur hockey," followed by "youth hockey network." Then, you should see a link for "area rinks" on the top menu bar.

However, many of the places on that site aren't actually in Pittsburgh; rather, they're in greater Pittsburgh/Western PA/WV. I've skated/played at almost all of the places on the list; shoot me a PM/reply with any questions.

[troy 12]

Thanks for the help. I see the UPMC Sports Concussion specialists on Thursday, and unfortunately this is not my first concussion rodeo, so I've been taking good care of myself. Do you know which facility would have the best competition for a spring/summer league?

[Dr. Funk 6]

Drag that it's not your first time with this nonsense, but glad to hear that you're going to be back in the game shortly.

I had to move from Pittsburgh almost two years ago because of work, so I'm probably not as up-to-date as some of the other MSHers regarding the leagues. The guys who post in the Pittsburgh league forum (http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php?/topic/50099-pittsburgh/page-1) would probably have better info than me.

However, I played at the top level at the Harmar Bladerunners the year that I left home, and it was pretty competitive. Lots of college/junior guys home for the summer (for comparison, I'm 33 and a former college player). The top league at Southpointe - where the Pens practice - is pretty similar, and may be a bit closer to Shadyside than Harmar. However, given Pittsburgh's unpredictable traffic, it's probably a crapshoot either way. If you play A at either of those locations, you'll be in for a pretty competitive game.

Let me know what shakes out - I'm headed back to PA permanently in the summertime. I'll actually be living in greater Philadelphia, but will be traveling back home to Pittsburgh (and playing drop-in instead of hanging with the fam!) a lot. Let me know if I can help out with anything else.

[troy 12]

Will do, those sound like the type of speed I'm looking for. Thanks again.

[Dr. Funk 6]

No problem. Be safe and have fun. Let me know if I can help out with anything else.

[Trooper 8]

I don't know that harmarville has men's leagues anymore. Castle Shannon, cranberry, and maybe the airport ice arena aren't bad drives for you, although none are super close. Not sure where the top guys play around here, it used to be an invite only skate at the Airport but not sure anymore. I can find out if you really want to find the best league.

[Louie 28]

The Airport Ice Arena is a fraction of what it used to be it's an absolute dump anymore.

RMU and Ice Castle are probably the two most competitive leagues out there, but Ice Castle can be a bit of gong show.

[Chadd 916]

The Airport Ice Arena is a fraction of what it used to be it's an absolute dump anymore.

That's a shame, I remember when you had to call ahead to book a slot for open hockey.

[Apes44 7]

That's a shame, I remember when you had to call ahead to book a slot for open hockey.

you have no idea how bad its gotten! The one rink, if you clear the puck around the boards where the zamboni door is, it will kick out right in front of your own net, that same door, the ice drops about an inch, sticks get stuck in it. not to mention its about 18 degress all the time!

[Louie 28]

That's a shame, I remember when you had to call ahead to book a slot for open hockey.

As do I. I started playing in 2004 and that rink was the creme de la creme. I played two seasons there before moving on to other rinks.

I've heard a few rumors, that one of the owners wants to buy the other ones out so he was just letting the place go to hell to buy them out cheap, I heard UPS wanted the property up there for a sorting center...

[Trooper 8]

The rumors of turning the Airport Rink into some kind of warehouse for various things has been around for years, not sure how they can be even close to profitable at this point.