Penguins fall in Winter Classic

On Jan. 2, the Boston Bruins hosted the Penguins at Fenway Park for the 2023 NHL Winter Classic. Along with the hockey game, the outdoor extravaganza featured performances by The Black Keys, Bell Biv DeVoe and even an orchestra. The game did not fare so well for the Penguins though, as they lost 2-1 and starting goaltender Tristan Jarry suffered a right leg injury. Trying to overcome a six-game losing streak in the beginning of January, the Penguins hope to make a reappearance in the playoff picture.

Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby makes All-Star Game

On Jan. 5, the NHL announced Sidney Crosby has made the All-Star Game, which is set to be played on Feb. 4. The league named one player from each of the 32 teams, while the remaining spots will be determined by a fan vote. This marks Crosby’s ninth All-Star appearance in a rejuvenating season for the 35-year-old captain.

Steelers end season, shy of playoffs

On Jan. 9, the Steelers needed some luck on their side as they headed into Week 18 for their last game of the season against the Cleveland Browns. To make the playoffs, the Steelers needed a win over the Browns and both a New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins loss. Despite a 28-14 Steelers win and a Patriots loss, the Dolphins prevailed in their game, ending the Steelers’ playoff hopes. Despite this, the team finished with a winning record of 9-8, meaning the head coach Mike Tomlin has still never had a losing season with the team.

Harrison, Hines short of NFL Hall of Fame 2023 class

The Pro Football Hall of Fame did not choose the two Steeler nominees, linebacker James Harrison and wide receiver Hines Ward, as finalists for the 2023 Hall of Fame draft class. The Pro Football Hall of Fame did select 15 players as finalists, only five of which will be inducted. Harrison and Hines will now have to wait till next year for another chance to be memorialized as one of the NFL’s all-time greatest players.

Pirates listed towards bottom of MLB power rankings

On Jan. 1, the MLB released their way-too-early power rankings for the upcoming season. Finishing with a 62-100 record last season, the Pirates were listed as 28th out of 30 teams. Fortunately for the Pirates, the team did earn the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, which will benefit their future. But for now, MLB analysts don’t see the Pirates making the playoffs anytime soon.

Georgia win in CFB Championship Game

On Jan. 9, the Georgia Bulldogs took on the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs in the National College Football (CFB) Championship Game. The Bulldogs were 13.5-point favorites over the Horned Frogs, who were not even ranked coming into the season. In what some considered to be a David vs. Goliath battle, the Bulldogs demolished the Horned Frogs, 65-7, to win a back-to-back title. This 58-point differential was the largest in CFB history for a bowl game. 

Julia Mohrbacher scores 1,000th point

On Jan. 17, Freedom girls basketball player Julia Mohrbacher scored her 1,000 point against New Brighton in a 68-11 win. This is a monumental accomplishment for a high school basketball career. Mohrbacher’s effort propelled the team to an 11-1 record at the time.