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Top 6 Ice Bucket Challenges From Athletes With Pittsburgh Ties

The ALS Ice Bucket challenge is helping to spread awareness to all corners of the globe.

You yourself may have been called out by a friend or family member.

The rules state that if you don't accept, you have to donate $100. However, many are donating even after accepting the challenge.

Overall, the Ice Bucket Challenge has been a huge success, according to the ALS Association.

A spokesperson for the association says a total of $15.6 million has been raised nationwide since July 29.

Last year, during the same time period, the association had raised $1.1 million.

If you'd like to make a donation to the ALS Association, visit their website here.

Part of the campaign's success can be attributed to the overwhelming support from athletes and celebrities.

Locally, we've been treated to many of the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers posting wacky videos of themselves taking the challenge.

So, we decided to highlight the best of the best among athletes with Pittsburgh ties!

No. 6 – Sidney Crosby

Earlier this summer, Craig Adams and his family – wife, Anne, children, Rhys and Frankie, and nephew, Gabriel took the challenge and nominated Sidney Crosby to do the same.

On his 27th birthday, Crosby obliged and challenged Pascal Dupuis, Marc-Andre Fleury and Kris Letang to do the same.

No. 5 – Mario Lemieux

The greatest player to ever lace up a pair of skates also took some time to help raise awareness for ALS. Mario Lemieux, his family and members of the Lemieux Foundation did a rapid fire challenge.

Before dumping the water on himself, Mario issued the challenge to all Penguins fans!

No. 4 – Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben took some time away from preparing for the new season to accept the Ice Bucket Challenge. However, Ben didn't just use one bucket. In fact, he allowed several teammates to soak him with two coolers full of ice water!

Click the picture to watch the video.

susan-koeppens-gift1

No. 3 – James Harrison

James Harrison was a staple of the Steelers' defense for about a decade. He's widely regarded as being a tough as nails linebacker.

Harrison upped the ante on the Ice Bucket Challenge by sitting in a tub of ice water for over 10 minutes.

Watch part of his challenge here:

James Harrison takes the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to a different level! by MySportsReviews on YouTube

You can watch the entire challenge on his Instagram page.

No. 2 - Evgeni Malkin

Let's face it, this is Evgeni Malkin's world and we're all just spectators. Malkin's summer has already been better than all of ours for multiple reasons.

Now, after being challenged by several people, Malkin has taken the Ice Bucket Challenge!

No. 1 – Paul Bissonnette

Better known as "Biz Nasty," Bissonnette got his start in the NHL right here in Pittsburgh. The Penguins drafted him in the fourth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

For his Ice Bucket Challenge, Bissonnette enlisted the help of a production crew, a helicopter and glacier water.

Good luck topping that!

Paul Bissonnette ALS Ice Bucket Challenge by Golf Yankee Yankee Whiskey on YouTube

Honorable Mention – Potato Pete

It's been an interesting summer for Potato Pete to say the least. Pete rejoined the pierogi race during Pirates games at PNC Park. He'd been absent from the race since 2001.

However, Cheese Chester suffered a broken foot back on July 23, which opened the door for Pete's return.

He's even enjoyed eight wins since his return to the race!

Keeping with the Summer of Potato Pete, he graciously accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge!

susan-koeppens-gift1

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