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Umberger raves about hockey’s growth in Pennsylvania

St. Louis Blues v Columbus Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 09: RJ Umberger #18 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on the St. Louis Blues on March 9, 2011 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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With Penn State’s hockey program off to a solid start and “Team Pennsylvania 2003" showing off youth hockey in the area, it seems reasonable that R.J. Umberger is raving about the growth of hockey in “The Keystone State.”

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review caught up with “the first blue-chip hockey talent” from Western Pennsylvania to pick his brain about the progress that’s been made while he attended the Three Rivers Classic.*

“It has been special to see how things have changed, and I loved seeing the enthusiasm for the college games this week,” Umberger said.

He singled out how the sport is growing in Pittsburgh, in particular.

“This was a great week for Pittsburgh hockey,” Umberger said. “Having Penn State around is going to make it even better. Things are looking up for hockey in this city.”

Maybe there will even be a few Pittsburgh Penguins games in a few weeks?

* - Umberger’s alma mater Ohio State lost to Penn State during the event.