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Pens Fans Flock to Pep Rally

Allegheny County held a pep rally in the courtyard of the County Courthouse Friday in anticipation of the Penguins facing off against the Boston Bruins Saturday in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The rally had a carnival-like atmosphere with games, prizes, face paintings, Penguins-themed sugar cookies and performances from Pittsburgh musicians Freddie Nelson and the Kardasz Brothers. WDVE’s Val Porter hosted the event and pulled people on stage to participate in contests for best-dressed Penguins fan, best Penguins cheer, best Penguins sign and best player look-alike.

Bruins fan Aaron Dunlap was in attendance and admitted the Penguins offense is too much for Boston to handle.

“I feel the Penguins are headed for Stanley Cup victory because their offense is impenetrable,” Dunlap said. “When they decide to play offense, they’ll win.”

Pittsburgh Penguins mascot Iceburgh lent a helping hand as County Executive Rich Fitzgerald hurled rally towels into the audience. Before tossing the towels, Fitzgerald reminded the crowd that before the ’91 and ’92 Penguins won the Stanley Cup, they had to go through Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals to do it.

The Erie, PA native has been a fellow in the WESA news department since May 2013. Having earned a bachelor's degree in print journalism from Duquesne University, he is now pursuing an M.A. in multi-media management. Michael describes his career aspiration as "I want to do it all in journalism."