3 big takeaways from new Pens ownership

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s hard to think Geoff or David Hoffmann could have handled an opening news conference as owners any better than they did Thursday afternoon at PPG Paints Arena. They said all the right things, here are three key points and a link to their comments about Mario Lemieux. You can hear all of it below.

Pens are staying

Of the Pens most recent owners, outside of Mario Lemieux, it’s been a question of the commitment to Pittsburgh. Especially with the Fenway Sports Group owning several other high-profile franchises worldwide.

The Hoffmann Group spoke of what Pittsburghers are mostly used to, family ownership.

“This is not an investment for us, this is a commitment to a city, it’s a commitment to an organization,” said new Pens governor Geoff Hoffmann. “The Penguins are going to be in Pittsburgh and always going to be in Pittsburgh as long as the Hoffmann’s are a part of it. And the Hoffmann’s plan to be a part of it for generations to come.”

Will provide money

It’s not as big a question in a salary-cap league, but last year the Pens were 24^th in spending leaving over $8 million available. It doesn’t mean the Fenway Group was cheap, but there is the option of not paying to the top.

“We are really well positioned, not only to continue the trajectory that the organization is on currently, but to make the investments that are required to remain competitive,” Geoff Hoffmann said. “We fully support Kyle Dubas and his vision for the organization and we are prepared to give him the resources that he needs to be as successful as we can possibly be.”

He then doubled down.

“I can commit that Kyle will have whatever resources at his disposal that he needs to have to have the type of hockey team to be successful. We will follow whatever we need to do in terms of spending.”

Then David Hoffmann, the founder of the group, and father of Geoff, said this.

“You will win in Pittsburgh,” alternate governor David Hoffmann said. “We are committed to winning. We give the resources. We give the autonomy and we put the right people in place to win.”

“We will give Kyle whatever he needs to bring a Stanley Cup back here.”

David Hoffmann also spoke of improving the fan experience and mentioned how he built that with their ECHL franchise in Florida by marketing to children.

Pens owners talk Mario Lemieux relationship

Visible

I can think of one time where a member of the Fenway Sports Group held a news conference. Ron Burkle, who was the big money behind Mario Lemieux, was rarely available. Others were also rarely seen, the Hoffmann’s said they will be noticeable in the community.

“I don’t think we will be quite like Jerry Jones probably from a number of perspectives,” Geoff Hoffmann said after being asked if they will be as upfront as the Cowboys owner. “We will absolutely be present. We aren’t going to micro-manage the team. We have the best GM and coach in the league, so that work is done.”

“We understand what the Penguins, especially in a city like Pittsburgh, what the Penguins mean to the city. It’s more than just what is happening on the ice, it’s being good members of the community. It’s taking a vested interest and participating philanthropically. Participating in community events and creating an atmosphere again where everyone is welcome and wants to be here.”