I was lounging around last night, already in my pajamas and flipping channels with my father-in-law last night when we landed on the Penguins hockey game, which had just started. We decided to watch a few minutes and they started talking about Montreal’s rookie goaltender making his debut. My ears perked up and in a minute I realized it was Jacob Fowler, whose dad I have known for years. I worked with Jacob’s aunt and uncle in a West Virginia prosecutor’s office 30 years ago. I met Jacob’s dad, Jay, when Jay was in law school. I used to park at and regularly stay at Jacob’s great grandmother’s home a couple blocks from Mountaineer Field when I went to WVU football games. I probably last saw Jacob when he was being pushed around in a baby carriage, as his parents have lived in Florida for many years. I immediately cursed because I didn’t know he would be playing. I then went on StubHub and realized I could get a ticket in the door for $16 since the first period was ending. I threw on some clothes, bought the ticket and raced down to PPG Paints Arena and arrived midway through the second period. There was an open seat by Jacob’s family and I grabbed it. I am a Pens fan but I had to root for the Habs last night. Montreal won 4-2 and Jacob had 33 saves. The two Pittsburgh goals were scored in the third period, the first by Bryan Rust off a classic Sidney Crosby assist and the other on a power play rocket. Jacob came out to see his family and friends for a few minutes after the game, and they were all thrilled. He used to play for a team in Youngstown and the couple he lived with there were able to make it, along with that team’s radio announcer. We went to a bar for a postgame drink or two afterwards. It was great to be able to share that experience with this kid’s family who are wonderful folks who I imagine sacrificed a lot to give Jacob the opportunities that he has put to great use. Jacob was a star at Boston College and on some youth national teams before signing with Montreal, so his future is bright. He grew up a Habs and Pens fan, with Crosby posters on his walls. Jacob was 1 year old when Sid was drafted. It’s just great that he got to play against a hero in his first NHL game and that his family was able to be there on very short notice. His parents flew in from Florida and his uncle and aunt drove up from West Virginia. They knew that first game would come someday; they were just praying it wouldn’t be in someplace like Edmonton or Winnipeg that might be hard to get to on short notice. What a good time. ** Edited by Tailgate Guru at 12/12/2025, 11:13:13 AM