A total of eight former DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite players will be returning to Pittsburgh this weekend playing in the USHL Fall Classic. The United States Hockey League (USHL) is the top junior hockey league in the United States and is returning to the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township for the annual Fall Classic to kick off the 2022-23 season. 

The list of Pens Elite alumni returning home includes: 

Austin Oravetz and Matthew DiMarsico of the Green Bay Gamblers will be returning to Pittsburgh as teammates. Austin, a defenseman, who played last season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, is committed to Michigan State to play college hockey. Matthew, a forward, will be entering his first season in the USHL with the Gamblers and is committed to play collegiately at Penn State.

Another pair of teammates are Luke Amell and Justin Stupka of the Omaha Lancers. Luke, a defenseman, played last season with the Aberdeen Wings of the NAHL following his time in the Pens Elite organization. Justin, a forward, played last season with the Pens Elite 16U's. He will be looking forward to suiting up for Omaha this coming year.

Shawn O’Donnell will be returning to the the Fall Classic with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Shawn is a forward who is entering his second season after registering 18 points last season in 58 games. 

Brandon Svoboda, a forward, is another player returning to Pittsburgh with the Youngstown Phantoms. After playing 16U Pens Elite and three games for Youngstown last season, Brandon, who is committed to Boston University, will be entering his first full season with the Phantoms. 

Braeden Ford is another Pens Elite alum playing in the USHL who will be returning to Pittsburgh. After spending last season with the Johnstown Tomahawks of the NAHL, Braeden now joins the Des Moines Buccaneers for the 2022-23 season. 

Dane Dowiak rounds out the list of Pens Elite alums playing in the USHL Fall Classic. Dane, who is committed to Penn State, scored 30 points in 55 games for Tri-City last season and will be returning to the Storm for his second season. 

Good luck to all eight DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite alumni who will be back home this weekend. The entire Pittsburgh Penguins Elite organization is proud to see so many players playing on this stage!

USHL Fall Classic Complete Schedule: https://ushl.com/calendar.aspx