I already know that not creating my own ownership group to buy the Penguins will go down as a huge mistake. There are only so many hours in the day, and I didnt have the time, or the expertise in hockey to do it right. My mistake.
Im still an NBA junkie first and foremost, but a long time NHL fan as well. When the Mavs were in Pittsburgh to play the Cavs in a preseason game, I snuck in to Mellon Arena and managed to catch the last period of the Pens - Devils game. Hockey games are fun to go to. Watching the NHL on HDNet is great. But what I say in just 1 period in Pittsburgh was the most exciting glimpse of NHL greatness I have ever seen.
In the 3rd period of a 3-2 game, Malkin took a bullet pass straight to the stick from Sid the Kid Crosby, did a cross over move with a puck, that if Allen Iverson would have done it with a basketball, would have broken several ankles, split two defenders, nothing but net.
I'm a Stars and Pens season ticket holder and have been going to hockey games since I was a kid. This was the first time I literally just stood, my jaw dropping in amazement and just shook my head. The most amazing goal I had ever seen. The entire arena stood and every one just looked at each other with that "Are you kidding me" look. I was with Al Whitley, the Mavs equipment manager who is from Vancouver and we just looked at each other and laughed. It seemed like a minute before the crowd actually cheered. Thats how amazing it was.
The Pens took home a 4-2 W, which was cool. I stopped in the fan shop, picked up my Malkin Sweater for a not so cheap $277 dollars and headed back to the hotel.
The next night was our Mavs Cavs game. I obviously was pumped to bring our Mavs back to my hometown. I had tons of friends there. People I hadnt seen since junior high were coming up and telling me stories. Obviously since it was an exhibition game, things were casual. I got to meet Lebron for the first time. It was just a good start to what would be a fun night.
During the 2nd half, I walked over and sat down with some of my high school buddies who had gotten tickets in the front row behind the Cavs bench. While Im yucking it up with them, with Lebron, DJones, Scott Pollard and others giving me a hard time , the security guard points up to some seats at mid court and lets us know that Malkin is here at the game.
So with Lebron and the Cavs right there, the game going on, my attention turns to how i can run back to the locker room, get my Malkin jersey that I had bought the night before, and then get up to Malkin who barely speaks any English and doesnt know me from Adam, to sign my Malkin Jersey.
So the next time out, I run back to the locker room, get the jersey and a sharpie. I didnt want to create a distraction by shuffling in front of 3 rows of people to get to him from where we were, so i had to spend the next 5 minutes convincing Boafie, my high school buddy to take the trip for me.
After a few minutes of coaxing, Boafie set off on the mission to get an autograph from my new all time favorite NHL player. We obviously were following the treck and when he got to Malkin, watching Boafie try to explain that the jersey was for me to a guy who doesnt speak english. was worth the price of admission. Finally , he just put the jersey in his lap, pen in his hand and pointed. He got it signed.
The Mavs won on last second free throws. The highlight of the night. My autographed Malkin Jersey.
You may or may not be an NHL fan, but if you are a fan of greatness in the making, watch the Pens. Malkin, Sidney Crosby, Jordan Staal, Marc-Andre Fleury , the oldest of the 4 is about 20 years old. All have super star qualities. Crosby and Malkin ? They will not only remind Pens and NHL fans of Mario and Jamir Jagr, but could have them wondering whether watching them play together is what watching Mario and Gretzky playing together would have been like.
Evgeni Malkin & the NHL - Are you kidding me ?
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Reader Comments
(Page 2)22. i just wanted to get my name on Mark Cuban's blog.
Posted at 1:13PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Curtis Branchen
23. Mr. Cuban,
I found your blog entry on the Pittsburgh Penguins site today and was moved to hear that someone of your stature would feel much the same as any other hockey fan. Your words describe the emotions of many Pens supporters. No matter which Penguin is your favorite, as there are MANY to choose from, it is clear that the effect they have on us is profound. I have also been a hockey fan since childhood and have been inspired by the fresh talent that has emerged in the Burgh! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Posted at 1:26PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Mari Lowery
24. Mark,
I loved your shirt you wore to the game tonight, the T-shirt jersey #$ (he fine me on the back). When can I buy this on mavgear.com? Make it available, because I've got money in my Mavs account :)
Posted at 1:32PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by banpeikun
25. Mark,
Sorry about the Pens, but please buy the Blackhawks. You would turn it around. Too bad Dollar Bill Wirtz probably won't ever sell. The Blackhawks would go from having the worst to the best owner in sports.
Posted at 1:43PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Brian
26. It's an incredible moment like this one that can help a sports league overcome the nasty headlines of drug abuse, players strikes etc. I would think that it would be in everyone's best interest to spread this video clip as much as poissble and not to worry about payment. The payment will come in fan interest and higher ticket sales and tv viewership.
Posted at 1:48PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Tim from Modular Today
27. They are truly incredible! Great story.
Thanks Mark
Posted at 2:46PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Brad Newman
28. read the comments about the new you, related to the Cuban Rule...I think the best way around the Cuban rule would become an asistant coach. Just an Idea.
Posted at 2:56PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by John
29. Hello. The brightness of the three offensive stars is dimmed by an enormous white elephant in the room that is the Pittsburgh Penguins: the defense is under sized, not physical, and cannot follow the puck in the zone because they are too slow to get back if we can't keep the puck in the zone. It looks to me that we're going to have out-score everyone which will probably start playing with M.A.'s mind a bit, afterall he hasn't been spectacular in the last few years. Anyhow, thanks for the good PR on the Penguins. Lord knows we've been waiting a hell of a long time for this. Here's to the top of the Atlantic!
Robert Rider, Pittsburgh
Posted at 3:06PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Robert Rider
31. I think Mark Cuban owning an NHL franchise will help give the NHL more exposure in the US. I can just see you running on the ice right now arguing a call. Too bad it didn't happen with the Penguins.
Posted at 4:06PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by frankly
32. I didn't take any time to read others comments, but I wanted to point out to you that Gretzky and Lemieux played together several times for Canada in the Canada cup. The magic was glorious, and as these two superstars develop the hockey world will once again get to see that magic.
Being a Pittsburgh native, you should also keep tabs on RJ Umberger of Philly (although they are off to a rocky start) who came out of Plum. I must admit though, purchasing the Penguins might have been one of your best endeavors (because you would definately kept them in Pittsburgh)
Let's go Pens!
Posted at 5:23PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Quinn Gable
33. Cubes - we are truly witnessing greatness in Pittsburgh. Every day, I bring up the topic on how the Penguins may actually have taken the spotlight from the Steelers in Pittsburgh. I'm not resting on the Steelers yet, but you're right, there's not way you can't be excited for the Pens.
And on another note, speaking of Pittsburgh Penguins legends, can we get Mike Lange back on FSN Pittsburgh? You're a powerful man! I know you have the power to do this.
Posted at 5:59PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Nik D.
34. Mark:
As a Canadian, I like to think that I am genetically disposed to providing insights into hockey that are far beyond what most Americans can comprehend. However, your blog certainly sums up the level of excitement that is available at any NHL game! The speed of the game is superior to football, the hits as good or better, and the skill required is immense. However, my point is not to disparage other pro sports in favour of hockey. No, I just wanted to point out one possible future sore spot to you, a Penguins fan. Jordan Staal, another of their crop of young future superstars hiding in the shadow of Malkin, is playing exceptionally well this season. So much so that he has been kept up on a one-way contract and not returned to junior hockey before the 10 game mark. Why does this matter? Well, now he is eligible for free agency at the same time as a couple o' other young fellas. You guessed it...the aforementioned Crosby and Malkin. Add Fleury to the mix (provided he lives up to his potential - and I think he well), and you have a contractual conundrum that would baffle even the deepest pocketed owner (said owner of the Mavs even!). With the salary cap, the flightless birds in tuxedos will see their stars snatched away like penguins in a seal pack. This creates parity....but sure sucks from a fan perspective. I love my hockey, but I won't be buying a jersey (for $277!) anymore in the era of "The Cap"! Maybe it's time I bought a Nowitzki perhaps....?
Posted at 6:33PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Ian
35. You are seriously my second favorite person in the whole entire world (second only to Malkin, of course.) You need to come back to Pittsburgh and like, buy Balsillie's life. You should have just hired Lemieux to go through the whole buying process for you. And since you have season tickets, it's apparent that you can't make it to every game, you know if you ever have extra tickets that nobody is going to use... ;)
Anyway, good luck with the Cavs this year, I'll be busy stuck in an awe-struck state for the entire hockey season, great thanks to most amazing human being ever created, Evgeni Malkin.
Posted at 10:22PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Sara
36. Mark,
Too bad you weren't able to purchase the Penguins. A PR savy person such as yourself would probably make Pittsburgh a viable franchise. Just look at the 76'ers when Pat Croce was involved.
Posted at 10:30PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Kevin
37. Hi Mark Cuban,
Very timely column. Was just watching a feature on Malkin on Sportsnet and was obviously impressed . Even more impressive is the fab four you write of -- all 20 and under. What the hell was I doing a 20? Oh ya, J-school. I think, yeah, it would have been a big score for hockey in the U.S. if you had bought the Pens. In fact, as a Canadian, I am first and foremost a hockey fan (and tennis), but most recently, I'm loving basketball for two reasons: you and the Mavs. Well, three actually: I met some Texans in NY during the playoffs who tuned me into my very first Mavs game. Aside from the incredible excitement of the game, I was sold on the characters that make it real: you, Dirk, Avery... The media's coverage of the characters definitely raise the game for fans. My biggest challenge is now that I'm sold on Mavs ball, how do I be a fan based in TO? Turns out I need to pay about $40 extra a month for the NBA pack on my cable system. That doesn't seem like much when you look at the expense many incur to follow their fav team/player (i.e. Malkin jersey). But if you've never had to pay extra to watch your team on TV, it makes you wince a little bit. I'm willing to pay for good tickets when the Mavs visit TO in Jan. I'll invest in my first trip to Dallas and see a game. I bought my Nowitzki jersey (which I hope to get signed one day). But to pay more for TV, this seems like my god given free right. So this begs the question, to be a real fan, how much should you be willing to invest. How much, on average, do you think a fan invests/expends on their sports team annually? It really is a marketers world, because marketers (like you) just give people to many great products to choose from -- from teams, to players, to paraphenalia. It's hardly a matter of, am I going to invest myself in this team, it's really, how much am I going to invest? And then there's the time investment -- am I really going to sched. my life around the TO Maple Leafs sched. and follow most Mavs' games? I already book two weeks off work during Wimbledon. Where I'm going with all of this is here: Malkin, Crosby, Nowitski, and Cuban..-- when we hear about them, see them, we know for sure that it is extraordinary people who ignite new passions, cement old ones, and spark discussion -- like right now.
P.S. Totally loving your "He fine me shirt". In the most recent issue of Maxim magazine, there is mention of your NBA fines (they really could have used this T-shirt visual). The NBA preview also disses Dirk (yeah, I would get on that).
P.P.S. This is the first time I have ever blogged.
Sincerely, Tamara Petrou, Toronto, Canada
Posted at 11:25PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Tamara Petrou
38. hey mark, just wanted to say that you are the best owner in all of sports...thats all...
Posted at 2:40AM on Nov 4th 2006 by Will
39. C'mon Cuban!
You care more about getting your autographed jersey than watching the Mavs win! I thought you were loyal! And don't you realize you got Nowitski on your team! Now there's an autograph!
-Rapp
Posted at 3:52AM on Nov 4th 2006 by Rapp
40. Andrew, that's a fair comment. I obviously wasn't aware of the specific situations regarding the translators/mentors for the guys we are talking about. In a sense though, your words don't really speak to what I perceive as the big picture issue that I wanted to bring up, and that's this: Assuming the NHL can get over the fact that their sport is too expensive for youth to play (compared to the big 3, and soccer) and thus get excited about enough as kids to be excited about at as adults, there will never be a "name" player for them with the media exposure even to 1/4 of the level that is afforded merely above average baseball/football/basketball players. There is simply something too "nails on blackboard" about (assuming you already like hockey, even) watching an interview, even with an extremely gifted hockey player, and not being able to understand what they say. Not only that, but the sheer level of exposure is nil when you can't even film a local market TV or radio spot for Dan's Towing and RV Sales because noone in Pittsburgh (or God forbid, somewhere less tolerant in this country, like much of the south) can grok what's coming out of their mouth. The NHL may *try* to be in the business of polishing these guys, but they're failing. Big time.
Posted at 5:44AM on Nov 4th 2006 by Worth Wollpert
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21. Not related to this blog entry really, but there's a great article on Mark, the NBA and David Stern at
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-cuban110306&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Posted at 12:38PM on Nov 3rd 2006 by Joe