Constantine would jump at the first NHL offer to come along, but he has his mind on other things for now. And he is about to do something very good for the local hockey community. It instantly and easily would become the second-best brand of hockey played in this area, behind only the Penguins. Constantine's team, the Pittsburgh Forge, would play in the North American Hockey League, which had 10 players drafted by NHL teams this year. NAHL graduates include Eric Lindros, Doug Weight and Brian Rolston.
Junior hockey meets most fans' criterion for good hockey.
Besides that, the Forge would provide a chance for the best local players to stick around instead of having to go elsewhere to play Junior. That would be a final step of sorts in Pittsburgh's hockey ascension, which owes everything to Penguins owner Mario Lemieux. Not long after Lemieux started weaving his magic here, rinks sprung up everywhere. The Forge would only help the Penguins. The more local interest in hockey, the better for everyone.