Pens recall four from AHL
Joe Vitale has been recalled as rumored earlier last night.
Joining him is Ryan Craig, Nick Johnson and "The Ticket" Brett Sterling - a full line of call-ups.
A quick scouting report on the four:
1. Vitale is a blue collar, hard-working center that excels on the penalty kill.
He plays in a defensive/checking role, above-average forecheck due to grit along the boards and very quick skating speed.
He is the heart and soul of the WB/S team and that was apparent when he was injured and out of the line-up for one game this season.
Vitale's ceiling goes as high as a potential 4th line NHL center.
2. One of the biggest bad-asses on the team, Captain Craig brings NHL experience, leadership, grit and scoring touch to the line-up.
He's proven versatile, as he plays in a top-6 scoring role in the minors, but plays a 4th line style game in the NHL, looking to drop the gloves with anyone.
He's the best captain Wilkes-Barre has owned since Nathan Smith (2007-08) and that was the last time the Pens made it to the Calder Cup Finals.
This season, he has scored some big goals late in games and has stuck up for teammates by fighting or having discussions with the referees.
Has been a huge influence and mentor for teammate/prospect Keven Veilleux.
3. Nick Johnson plays top-6 minutes, including power play time.
Is in the midst of his most productive offensive season of his career, and is known for busting out a highlight-reel type goal every once in a while.
Might be considered a 'tween' player, as he might not have the skill-set or speed to play top-6 in the NHL and doesn't have the grit or toughness to play bottom-6 there.
Scored his second career professional hat trick against Syracuse Crunch in a game last month.
4. Brett Sterling is an elite AHL-level top-6 forward, relied on to score big goals.
Considered the biggest free agent signing in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton history.
His nickname stems from CFCI - in the sense that he is "the ticket" to the Calder Cup.
He's the only forward on the current team with an American Hockey League championship.
This leader will show the boys on and off the ice what it takes to get the job done, in hopes that WB/S will clinch it's first ever title.
In a post we published last month, Sterling had this to say:
"Give me 20 straight games. If I can't produce at that point then I can't say I haven't had my shot.
You put me in a situation to succeed for 20 games, and I know in my heart I can have success."
| < Next | Prev > |
|---|