Clark Seymour Takes A Step In The Right Direction

Defenseman Clark Seymour looks to make his pro debut in the fall.

Clark Seymour has come a long way. From the day he was selected in the 5th round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, to looking forward to turning pro this fall after signing his first professional contract - an AHL deal with Pens' affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins - Seymour has certainly earned his opportunity to get his professional hockey career started.

"It's exciting. It's something I've worked towards my whole life growing up," Seymour said of signing his first contract. "For myself, it's a goal I've reached and I'm very excited and excited to get things going."



Each of the last two seasons, Seymour has joined the AHL Penguins in the spring following the completion of his respective seasons with his junior team in the OHL (Peterborough Petes).

He hasn't played in any pro games yet, having dressed for the WBS Penguins 2013-14 regular season finale in Utica before being the 7th defenseman and final healthy scratch, but his time spent with the organization certainly puts him ahead of most of the incoming rookies in terms of familiarity with systems, etc.

"It's been very nice to get down there (Wilkes-Barre) and get my feet wet and meet some of the guys," Seymour said. "Going down there the last two years has truly helped me get comfortable."

Seymour is another defenseman, like Reid McNeill and Harrison Ruopp, who brings a steady defensive game along with a big frame, listed at 6-3 and just over 200 pounds.

"I like to care of my zone first and foremost and be hard to play against in the corners and in front of the net and make the simple play," Seymour said of what he likes to bring to the rink.

With all the depth on the blue line in the Penguins organization, Seymour has certainly had to be patient to be given an opportunity within the organization at the pro level. Guys like McNeill, Ruopp and Seymour - who all play a stay-at-home kind of role - are a nice compliment to the more offensively-minded defenseman like Derrick Pouliot, Brian Dumoulin and Scott Harrington and certainly have a place on the AHL roster.

Seymour will have to continue working to round out his game, but could make his pro debut on the AHL blue line as soon as this upcoming season. After two visits to Wilkes-Barre and now three development camps with Penguins prospects, Seymour is officially in the organization and can get his professional career underway.

"Very rewarding," Seymour said of his first contract. "The hard work is paying off. For me it's a goal I've reached and a step in the right direction."