Not having the NHL season open on Friday night at Consol with the Pens taking the ice sucks.

BUT, the Penguins are trying to make the best out of the lockout by hosting a charity game between the Pittsburgh police and fire. 

Admission is free too (nice price) so if you're going through hockey withdrawals and just want to get inside the arena and be around ice, this works. 

Donations will be collected by uniformed firefighters at the door. All proceeds will benefit Matt Onysko, a seven year veteran of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire based out of 32 Engine & Truck in Spring Garden, who is fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

AND.....84 Lumber is matching donations collected at the door up to $5,000 and will also donate building materials for necessary renovations to the Onysko home as he continues to battle ALS. 84 Lumber stepping up big time. 

If you're headed down, the Trib Total Media Gate will be open starting at 6:30 pm and all seating is general admission. Game time is 7 pm. Free parking will be available in CONSOL Energy Center surface lots after 5 pm. PensGear powered by Reebok and concession stands will be open.

Info from PittsburghPenguins.com