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Penguins season ticket holders are welcome to take their money and put it elsewhere, but so far, many of them are keeping it right where it is.

Following NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's season cancellation announcement on Wednesday afternoon, the Penguins e-mailed many of their season ticket holders with a plan.

They offered a full refund, but also an option for ticket holders to keep their deposit with the Penguins for the 2005-06 season and earn five percent interest, plus "Penguins cash" that could be put toward the purchase of additional tickets for home games next season.

"The reaction was actually pretty good," Penguins spokesman Tom McMillan said Thursday. "Most of the people who called are keeping their money with us. A handful wanted their money back, and we'll certainly do that. But obviously season ticket holders are our lifeblood, and the people who have their money in this year are the most loyal, dedicated fans you can have."

McMillan said they weren't deluged with calls yesterday but did receive a fair amount.

Back in March, the Penguins announced a drop in season ticket prices ranging from 6 to 45 percent for the 2004-05 season. They also said they'd collect only 60 percent of the price until the season actually started.

Although they do not release ticket sales numbers, McMillan said the renewal rate was good, all things considered.

"Under the circumstances, we were delighted with the number of people who renewed," he said. "Getting close to Sept. 15, there weren't a lot of new buyers, and that's natural."

Other teams around the league have made similar offers of interest paid on all deposits that remain with the team. Others are offering price freezes for tickets in future seasons.

On Wednesday, the NHL became the first professional sports franchise in North America to cancel an entire season.

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