Butler County native Marc Fogel, the Oakmont history teacher recently released from a Russian prison, was in attendance for the game tonight at PPG Paints Arena.
Fogel spent three years in prison after being arrested in August 2021 for attempting to enter Russia with a small amount of medical cannibis. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison in June 2022, but was considered wrongfully detained in December and released Feb. 11.
He was introduced to the crowd during a stoppage and received warmly as he received a personalized jersey from president of business operations KevinAcklin. Fogel also met Mike Sullivan outside the Penguins' locker room.
"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Pittsburgh Penguins organization for their generous support -- an extension of this amazing city's warm, close-knit community that has rallied around our family during the toughest of times," Fogel said in a statement. "The incredible kindness shown by the Pittsburgh sports teams, along with the tremendous help from our local media, community leaders, politicians, artists, academics, advocates and activists strengthened my mentality to keep on keepin' on like a true Pittsburgher. There were many days when the only good news I received was about my beloved Penguins winning. Our family will be forever grateful to this great city and great country."
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THE ASYLUM
José Negron
9:16 pm - 03.21.2025UptownFormer Russian prisoner Fogel attends game
Butler County native Marc Fogel, the Oakmont history teacher recently released from a Russian prison, was in attendance for the game tonight at PPG Paints Arena.
Fogel spent three years in prison after being arrested in August 2021 for attempting to enter Russia with a small amount of medical cannibis. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison in June 2022, but was considered wrongfully detained in December and released Feb. 11.
He was introduced to the crowd during a stoppage and received warmly as he received a personalized jersey from president of business operations Kevin Acklin. Fogel also met Mike Sullivan outside the Penguins' locker room.
"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Pittsburgh Penguins organization for their generous support -- an extension of this amazing city's warm, close-knit community that has rallied around our family during the toughest of times," Fogel said in a statement. "The incredible kindness shown by the Pittsburgh sports teams, along with the tremendous help from our local media, community leaders, politicians, artists, academics, advocates and activists strengthened my mentality to keep on keepin' on like a true Pittsburgher. There were many days when the only good news I received was about my beloved Penguins winning. Our family will be forever grateful to this great city and great country."
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