The Penguins paid tribute to Steelers great Franco Harris, who died Wednesday at age 72, by wearing No. 32 decals on their helmets for a home game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night at PPG Paints Arena.
The team played a tribute on the arena video board before faceoff and held a moment of silence.
Franchise icon Mario Lemieux issued a statement Wednesday.
‘We are all stunned and saddened by the passing of the great Franco Harris — a Pittsburgh icon and a true champion on and off the field,” the statement read. “Franco will be remembered for his grace, his humility, his kindness, and his tremendous contributions to our community. Rest in peace.”
Harris was not necessarily popular with Penguins fans when the option he backed during the 2006 debate surrounding who would get the city’s standalone casino license did not include funds for a hockey arena. If there were hard feelings, they seemed to have abated by Nov. 1 when the Penguins welcomed Harris and presented him with a No. 32 jersey during “Pittsburgh night,” a themed game-night presentation celebrating the city and its history. He received a hearty ovation.
