The Pittsburgh Penguins will soon take on one of the best young prospects in the NHL who happens to be a local native.

In a little over a week, the Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Arizona Coyotes for the first and only time in the 2023-24 season.

While many might see it as a normal game, the battle between the Penguins and Coyotes will carry a little extra meaning for a certain rookie.

It will be the first time rookie forward Logan Cooley can lace up skates as an NHL player in his native Pittsburgh.

Cooley grew up playing youth hockey with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite programs but got his start on the ice thanks to Sidney Crosby.

Soon after turning pro, Crosby set up ‘Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins’ program to help teach area kids the basics of the sport and supply them with equipment.

Cooley is the first player to reach the NHL out of that program and is excited for the opportunity to battle against one of the all-time greats.

In a spot with Fox 10 Phoenix, Cooley said it’s a dream come true any time he gets to go up against one of the best in the world.

“I’m looking forward to competing against him and having some battles,” Cooley said. “Hopefully, we come out on top.”

Cooley is a native of Pittsburgh, but has admitted to being a fan of Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals growing up.

The matchup between the Penguins and Coyotes will be the Penguins first game back home after an upcoming three-game road trip.

Cooley has played 23 games of his NHL career and has recorded two goals and 11 assists with the Coyotes.

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