Penguins’ ‘Buckle Up Baby’ is all grown up and chasing his own hockey dreams
PITTSBURGH —
In 2014, Ty Avolia became known as the “Buckle Up Baby,” a two-year-old Penguins fan cheering on his favorite team.
Now 14 years old, Avolia is continuing his hockey journey at a high level.
On Friday, he will leave for Connecticut to play as a winger for the Connecticut Junior Rangers’ 16-and-under team.
“So, I started skating when I was 2. Played my first organized games at 5 or 6, and it just really fell into place since,” Avolia said.
Avolia, who will turn 15 in October, is ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
“It’s going to be something great — have to adjust to,” he said.
As he looks forward to his hockey career, Avolia also reflects on the moment that sparked his passion for the game.
“I just remember loving the Penguins since I was knee-high. It was something special that happened to me that night, and sparked my interest in the game,” he said.