PITTSBURGH - The Carbolic Smoke Ball has learned that last week's well-publicized meeting between Mario Lemieux, Mayor Ravenstall, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onarato and Governor Ed Rendell resulted in a secret plan guaranteed to keep hockey in Pittsburgh. Labeled Plan "E" for its primary architect, Ed Rendell, it would have the Philadelphia Flyers playing two preseason games in Pittsburgh next season in the Mellon Arena, which the relocated Penguins will vacate. Mellon Arena will be renamed the Ravenstall Centre and will play host to numerous civic functions, Broadway-style entertainment and a year-round electric train exhibit."Plan E is a win-win for Pennsylvania," said Rendell. "It will keep hockey in Pittsburgh for many years and at the same time save the good taxpayers of the Commonwealth millions and millions of dollars." Rendell has no doubt the Flyers would agree to the new arrangement. "Other NHL teams in recent years have played preseason games in Middle of Nowhere, Nova Scotia, so I'm sure the Flyers will gladly do the same thing in Pittsburgh."
