Penguins bring smiles to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh

Kingston was understandably exhausted by the procedure, but told his parents: ‘Wake me up when they come!’ He was ready when Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson, Tristan Jarry, Joel Blomqvist, Ryan Graves and Jack St. Ivany entered his door.

“We like this setup. Nice rug!” St. Ivany told him. Brittany and Craig showed the group a photo of Kingston’s bedroom at home, which is fully Penguins-themed, complete with a Sidney Crosby Fathead on the wall. “This is no preparation. This is how he lives his life!” Brittany laughed, “Nice life!” Malkin laughed.

As Kingston interacted with his visitors, a welcome distraction from everything he’s been through over the past few weeks, Brittany looked over and said, “Just look at that smile. It’s a good day for that smile.” The boys told Kingston how good and strong he looked, and as they prepared to leave, he mentioned how much he wanted to come watch them play.

“He’s begging to go to Penguins games every day. He is possessed” Brittany said of her son, who never misses one. “But he can’t go (Wednesday). You’ll still be here, dude!”

“Hope you recover quickly!” Karlsson said. “See you soon at the games!” Jarry added. “I’ll listen for you. Make sure you’re nice and loud!”

“Let’s go Penne!” Malkin — Kingston’s other favorite player — said with a laugh as they left the room, which was located on the hematology-oncology floor, for kids dealing with blood disorders and cancer. This year’s visit was part of the Penguins’ efforts for the NHL’s ‘Hockey Fights Cancer’ initiative, which takes place in the month of November.

The players wore purple Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys, which will be autographed and auctioned (more details will be provided at a later date). The Penguins Foundation will donate the proceeds to support cancer programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

“I think we all have people who have been affected by cancer and the more awareness we can bring the better,” Sidney Crosby said. “Being here and seeing firsthand what kids are dealing with and how strong they are and the struggle they’re going through, we want to help in any way we can. Whether it’s being here or raising awareness, that’s why we’re here.”

Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson was at UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh for the same reasons, and his path crossed a group of penguins during the afternoon. “I’ve never experienced this!” said Wilson in his first season with the Steelers “As many rooms as I’ve been in, I’ve never had two different teams from the same city in the same room.”