On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, Samantha and Matt went to Lucky Dog Bark n' Brew in Steele Creek for Beer and Bath Night. As Matt walked away from the bar, Samantha noticed his Pittsburgh Penguins jacket and said "Let's go Pens!" as they shared a high-five. After a few sips of encouragement, Matt walked back over and tapped Samantha on the shoulder and mentioned the NHL Network was showing Penguins game highlights.

      Before long the two were talking and making plans to go on a date that Friday. (They actually met back up at Luck Dog on Thursday to make sure the alcohol wasn't to blame.) Friday's date at Harry's Bar and Grill goes well - and Samantha, Matt, Crosby, and Kronos soon become a pack of four.

      Their shared love of dogs, Penguins hockey, and Phillies baseball continues until Samantha and Crosby move in with Matt and Kronos in September of 2022. The pack continue to learn, laugh, and love - going to sporting events/concerts, brewing beer and cider, and cheering on the Pens and Phillies.

      Finally, on a trip to Pittsburgh to see a Penguins game for Samantha's birthday, Matt takes her for a walk around the arena and pops the question!

      The Hopkins' plan to celebrate many more hops (drinks), barks, and cups (Lord Stanley of course) with Crosby and Kronos!