Happy Thanksgiving! The 5 Things We Give Thanks For

When we look back at the lost year, it will be remembered for things we did not have but today is a day of thanks. For most of us in Pennsylvania, we do not even have the freedom to choose to see others on this day.  As the NHL parties figure out how to have and pay for this season, so you can attend a few Pittsburgh Penguins games, PHN and I am thankful for many things.

We will even try to incorporate hockey into the list.

First, I am thankful for you and your crazy support. Believe it or not, Pittsburgh Hockey Now has become one of the most read sports outlets in Pittsburgh. With just hockey, our numbers are at least 40% ahead of two of our professional competitors and well ahead of the blogosphere, according to Similar Web.

PHN had a tough year with the pandemic pause, the Penguins postseason flameout, and one national retraction (We were later told the full story, but we didn’t get it right the first time. It still upsets me).

You have not only come along for the ride, but you’ve also become a full participant. Many of our stories have come from reader submissions. Some of you enjoy the occasional edit, and the conversation level has transformed this from a study group to a community (Community reference).

You’ve not only pushed PHN into the mainstream but allowed us to provide jobs for writers in different markets across the league. And, we’re going to plow forward until there is hockey again. THANK YOU.

Second, we’re thankful that we’ve been able to cover the Pittsburgh Penguins. From its robust fanbase, endless storylines, and the best players on the planet.

Like you, our jaws drop on a regular basis as Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin continue to amaze. We love hockey but having ridiculous talents adds an extra level of spice. Cmon, who else can dribble the puck waist-high past defenders?

Just unreal. pic.twitter.com/vI2LAHWg9i

— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) March 22, 2018

Third, we’re thankful for our colleagues in the National Hockey Now network. If the establishment media can’t figure out how to properly monetize the best in the business, we will happily show them how as we scoop up their talent.

Please, and thanks.

Jimmy Murphy’s latest “Off the Record” was a wonderful inside look at the current emotions swirling around the NHL negotiations and situation.

Adrian Dater, Murph, Joe Haggerty and his 70,000 Twitter followers, Christian Arnold, Sheng Peng, Tom Callahan, and big daddy George Richards. What a crew. We’re also welcoming two more by Dec. 14, though the NHL season may mess with that.

Also, we’re looking for a Seattle writer. We haven’t found the right fit yet.

Fourth, have we mentioned how thankful we are for you?

Fifth, we’re thankful this nightmare may soon be over. We hope the Presidents mobilize every resource, available and otherwise, to get the vaccines to everyone yesterday.

Another year of this nonsense may just crash everything. We’re already teetering on a lack of an NHL season, dozens of local restaurants, including some of my favorites, have permanently closed, it’s been more almost a year since I’ve seen some of my closest friends, and everyone is on edge.

It’s soon over. Thank God! Let’s hope for at least 48 Pittsburgh Penguins games to report, analyze, and argue. And Happy Thanksgiving to those with family and to those alone.