Hi everyone! I’m Tony Jovenitti. I’ll be the newest writer here, and I’m excited to get started. While I am a Penguins fan, I won’t be here to make fun of the Flyers goaltending situation, because Adam has that covered (and well, pot and kettle). I’m here basically because I’m gay, I like hockey and like writing about hockey.
I came out of the closet in not-so-private fashion a few months ago, and it’s been a wonderfully positive experience and opened many doors for me – including writing for Puck Buddys and joining a gay hockey league.
I interned with the Penguins in 2010-11, where I wrote features and blogs for the team’s Web site, and you can see an example of the work I did for the team here. It was a great season up until the Winter Classic. After that, the entire team got injured and Craig Adams was our best player in the playoffs. After the Lightning eliminated Pittsburgh, I moved to Madison, Wisconsin for a job. That brought me closer to bandwagon Blackhawks fans and self-loathing Wild fans.
But Wisconsin also brought me closer to the college game, so you may see some posts from me arguing that college hockey is more exciting. I’m a proud Badgers season-ticket holder for both the men’s and women’s teams. (You may also see some posts from me arguing that the women’s game features better plays than the men’s game).
Last year, I started doing some work for College Hockey News, where I wrote various features about WCHA teams and a story about how college hockey is growing in Pennsylvania, mostly thanks to Penn State (Boo!). I went to college at Pitt, where I fell in love with hockey and the Penguins. All during school, I didn’t think it was possible to be an openly gay man while also being a hockey fan, let alone a hockey writer.
I’m glad I was wrong, and this blog helped me realize that. After I came out, I received lots of support from my former colleagues with the Penguins. And everyone has been very encouraging as I finally start to play hockey. Brooks Orpik was right when his terrifying eyes told me that, “You Can Play.”
I don’t know exactly what I’ll be writing about here, perhaps I’ll start documenting my experience learning to skate and playing in the Madison league, but whatever it is, I’ll try to write it from my unique perspective. Hopefully, you all enjoy, and follow me on the Twitter!
Welcome to the party!!
Welcome aboard! Looking forward to see your posts.
Welcome to the insanity.