PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t been getting any ice time lately. However, Penguins Pond is officially open for business.

Skaters vied to be first on the ice.

Dave Crawley: You are the first person to fall on penguins pond. How does that feel?

Shannon McCurdy: It feels awesome. I practice really hard, but I’m not used to hockey skates. I’m more of a figure skater.

Speaking of hockey, the Pittsburgh Penguins opened the temporary rink in the newly-constructed Highmark Field, which is the future home of Riverhounds soccer team and Pittsburgh Passion football.

The rink will be open for public skating until Jan. 13, at which time they’ll melt the ice and turn it back into a soccer field.

This is the third year for Penguins Pond, but while hockey and soccer make an odd couple, the Riverhounds’ CEO said he’ll give skating a shot.

“I’m going to try. I’m going to put some ice skates on my knees, as well, because I imagine they’d need it. But, it’ll be fun,” Jason Kutney said.

Despite the current lockout in the NHL, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma is impressed with Penguins Pond.

“The ice is outdoor hockey. It’s got a little bump and contour to it. We’re going to have about a month of hockey here for the kids, and teams in Pittsburgh, the high school teams will be playing here. It should be awesome,” Bylsma said.

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