Dr. Kian Kooros will be honored as the ‘Star Behind the Stars’ on Saturday when he is recognized as a co-founder of the Pittsburgh Stars midget 18-and-under hockey team (now known as the Pittsburgh Viper Stars). “He was the benefactor for the team,” said Dave Kosick, coach of the team since its inception 21 years ago. A presentation will be held prior to Saturday’s Viper Stars game against the Keystone Generals at the Valley Sports Center in New Kensington. “We’re going to raise a banner for Dr. Kooros,” Kosick said. “We also purchased a star for him.” The star is registered with the International Star Registry. Named Dr. Kian Kooros, it is located in the Orion constellation. Forced to retire last year because of a brain tumor, Dr. Kooros will be recognized for the many hours and funding he personally committed to the creation of the team. “To get the opportunity to say thank you is very important to me and (the team),” Kosick said. Dr. Kooros was the longtime chair of the cardiology department at UPMC’s Passavant Hospital. Arena rally The PIHL is hosting a “Now is the Time” rally in support of a new arena for the region and the Penguins. The rally will take place Saturday at noon at Gate 3 of Mellon Arena before the Penguins play the New York Islanders. “We’re trying to show our support for the fact that the area really needs an arena,” said PIHL Commissioner Ed Sam. The league is backing the Penguins/Isle of Capri bid for a slots license that would fund an arena without the use of tax dollars. Along with the PIHL, Slotsformario.com will present petitions to local politicians that contain more than 30,000 signatures. A new arena will keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh, and the PIHL has a vested interested in seeing that it happens. “We’re passionate about it,” Sam said. “We know it’ll help the kids.” The Penguins have been generous community partners to the PIHL, and their presence has had a positive effect on interscholastic hockey. The sport has grown immensely since Mario Lemieux was drafted by the Penguins in 1984. “In 1984, we had fewer than 1,000 kids,” Sam said. “(Now) we probably have 4,000 kids.” The number of local ice pads has grown, too. Approximately six ice pads existed in 1984. Now, there are more than 30. Sam wants that growth to continue now that the Penguins have 18-year-old Sidney Crosby, but the team will have to remain in town for it to continue at that pace. Going for 500 When Upper St. Clair (10-5) plays host to Butler (1-15) on Monday night, USC will be playing for a notable win. In its 35th season, USC is one victory from becoming the first team in Western Pennsylvania to reach 500 all-time wins.

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