From the top down, the Pittsburgh Penguins feature a wealth of college hockey experience, from general manager Ray Shero (St. Lawrence) to rookie Joe Vitale (Northeastern).

As part of USA Hockey's Hockey Weekend Across America celebration, the Penguins web site celebrated the college backgrounds of so many in their organization in a story by Michelle Crechiolo.

Head coach Dan Byslma (Bowling Green), assistant coach Tony Granato (Wisconsin), forward Chris Kunitz (Ferris State) and four members of the Pens' NCAA-heavy defense corps unanimously praised their college experience in the story.

“I’m a big believer in the college hockey experience,” Bylsma said. “You see so many players today who go get an education and play college hockey and use that as a springboard to play professional hockey and play in the NHL. It happens over and over again with some really talented players.”

Added Granato, “It’s a tremendous way for drafted players and undrafted players to go develop and give yourself the best chance to be prepared and to have an opportunity to play professional hockey.”

Defenseman Brooks Orpik was born in San Francisco, California, and lived there until his family moved to Buffalo, N.Y. when he was seven years old.

He went to prep school in Massachusetts and decided to stay in that area for college despite being drafted by the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, committing to Boston College – a small school that’s a hockey powerhouse.

“Probably three of the most fun years of my life,” Orpik laughed.

“Obviously the hockey program, that’s what they’re known for. But I think the biggest thing is you learn to manage your time in those three years. You probably don’t realize while you’re there, but you mature a lot as a person and try to develop good habits.”

To read more, visit penguins.nhl.com.