CFSBANK EVENT CENTER CELEBRATES MON VALLEY THUNDER YOUTH HOCKEY
“LOGAN COOLEY NIGHT”
Belle Vernon, PA – Thursday, August 21 was “Logan Cooley Night” at cfsbank Event Center as the Mon Valley Thunder Youth Hockey Club paid tribute to Logan Cooley who now plays in the National Hockey League for the Utah Mammoth. Logan got his start at the cfsbank Event Center in the inaugural season of Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Program and then played his youth hockey with the Mon Valley Thunder Youth Hockey Club.
“Logan’s story is amazing — we could not be any prouder that he made it to the highest level in our sport, the National Hockey League ” said Craig Albert, Mon Valley Thunder Youth Hockey Club Director. “It’s proof that dreams can start right here on our ice. Our passion is to introduce new players to the sport of hockey and establish a lifelong love for the game. That’s where the journey begins — one first step, one first glide, one first goal.”
Cooley was on the ice for a skills session with some of the Mon Valley Thunder Youth Hockey Club young skaters from 7:00-7:40pm we then held a tribute and ceremony to unveil a banner for him. During the ceremony we hosted Matt Herr, Senior Director of Community Development and Industry Growth at the National Hockey League. “Exciting night in Pittsburgh to have Logan Cooley return to where it all started for him in the NHL/NHLPA Little Penguins program. The Learn to Play program has been a catalyst for many years allowing children between the ages of 5-9 to begin their hockey journey. I want to thank Logan and his family for being here tonight, sharing his journey from LTP in Pittsburgh to the National Hockey League. I would also like to thank all the coaches, parents, players, rink operators, USA hockey associations that make this program possible around the country.” said Matt Herr. Post the ceremony Cooley was available for photos and autographs during a free public skate session.
“Providing opportunities for boys and girls ages 4 to 9 to learn the game of hockey is our role in the Mon Valley Community” said Frank Lopesti, Hockey Operations Manager at cfsbank Event Center. “Whether you’re stepping onto the ice for the very first time or dreaming of scoring your first goal, we’ve got the path at cfsbank Event Center, and now a child can start their hockey journey for FREE including all of the equipment to use by signing up for Take a Shot at Hockey (TASH) for boys and girls ages 4-9.”
About Logan Cooley: Logan Cooley is an American professional ice hockey center for the Utah Mammoth of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted third overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2022 NHL entry draft.
About TASH: A FREE 8-week program offered to youth boys and girls (ages 4-9) where gear is available to use during the session. This program is open to first time skaters/players. Following the program participants will be prepared for the next step of the journey, Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey. To learn more, go to https://www.cfsbankeventcenter.com/programs/take-a-shot-at-hockey
About Little Penguins: Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey is an introductory program for children ages 5 to 9 to learn the fundamental skills of hockey in a fun and safe environment. The program consists of eight to ten sessions of on-ice instruction by certified coaches. To learn more go to https://www.nhl.com/penguins/community/learn-to-play
About Mon Valley Thunder: Mon Valley Youth Hockey Association provides quality hockey programs to develop the skills of young players in Western Pennsylvania. Located in the Mon Valley and South Hills which is located in close proximity to Pittsburgh. Our home ice is located at cfsbank Event Center in Belle Vernon. MVYHA has been a leader of the explosive growth of youth hockey. Our Region is one which is quickly becoming known for players and teams that can compete and succeed. To learn more go to https://www.cfsbankeventcenter.com/club-information
About cfsbank Event Center – cfsbank Event Center, owned by Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a multi-purpose facility located in Belle Vernon, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania also known as the Mon Valley. The arena measures 65,000 square feet and includes one NHL-sized ice rink that is converted to a dry floor event center in the spring and summer that is host to many alternative events, shows and exhibits. The facility has multiple banquet spaces/ party rooms and a catering kitchen as well as a full-service sports pub, Bubba’s Kitchen & Bar and concessions stand, Bubba’s Express. The arena provides the community with various ice skating and hockey programs, regular public skating sessions and birthday parties.
About Black Bear Sports Group – Black Bear Sports Group is dedicated to strengthening hockey communities and expanding access to the sport at all levels. Founded in 2015 by lifelong hockey supporters, we provide a home for players, families, and fans by operating ice rinks, managing youth and junior hockey leagues, and creating development opportunities for athletes. We believe rinks are more than just buildings—they’re the heart of the hockey community. Through thoughtful rink management, structured competition, and a commitment to player growth, we ensure that the game remains accessible, competitive, and positioned for long-term success. Whether it’s keeping rinks open, providing high-quality leagues, or offering direct pathways for advancement, our focus is always on supporting the sport and all those who share our love of the game. Beyond hockey, our rinks also serve as hubs for figure skating and other ice sports, ensuring that all skaters have a place to train, compete, and enjoy time on the ice.