PITTSBURGH His China ordeal over, sailor takes in a game

Coursen received a Penguins jersey with his name on it.
VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT
PITTSBURGH -- When Shawn Coursen was released April 12 by China, one of the first questions the sailor with Mahoning Valley ties asked his parents was how the Pittsburgh Penguins were faring in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
That question, which Coursen asked from Guam where the crew was returned, led him to Pittsburgh for a special night.
Monday, the Pens honored Coursen with a ceremony before Game 6 against the Washington Capitals.
Coursen, 28, whose parents live in Niles, is a U.S. Naval cryptologic technician operator first class and was on the U.S. Navy EP-3E surveillance plane when it collided with a Chinese fighter jet April 1 over the South China Sea.
Coursen's plane made an emergency landing at a Chinese military base and the U.S. servicemen were detained in China for 12 days while the United States and Chinese negotiated for their release.
The scene: Before the national anthem, Coursen was introduced to the sold-out crowd of 17,148 and presented with a Penguins jersey by Capt. Jaromir Jagr.
The jersey had Coursen's name and the No. 3 on it.
Coursen donned his jersey and stood on the ice with his hand over his heart while Jeff Jimerson sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."
When the song ended, he pumped his arm into the air and waved to the crowd.
Coursen's family also attended the game as guests of the team.
Personal: Coursen, an 11-year Navy veteran who graduated from Valdosta (Ga.) High School, is a cryptographer (code decipherer) with a high-level security clearance.
Coursen lives in northern Japan with his wife, Misayo, and their 5-year-old daughter, Jessika. They are visiting with family in the Niles area through most of this week before returning to Japan.
Coursen's parents, James and Susan, moved from Georgia to the Mahoning Valley nine years ago.
Niles Mayor Ralph A. Infante Jr. will give Coursen a plaque Wednesday in city hall, honoring the Navy man's service to his country.