WBS Penguins Tuesday Catch Up News

DeFazio played at Clarkson University before coming into the Penguins organization.

First off, Brandon DeFazio's weekend stay in the AHL is over. He was re-assigned to Wheeling to lead the Nailers on what hopefully is a long playoff run. Their playoffs start tonight.


In place of DeFazio, Ryan Schnell is back in Wilkes-Barre and should get some playing time this weekend. Schnell adds muscle to the lineup and will be good to have this weekend. Both teams the Pens are playing against this weekend (Hershey x2 and Adirondack) have nothing to play for. Adding Schnell is a good idea just in case things get physical.

In other news yesterday, WBS Penguins forward Ben Street was named CCM ECHL Rookie of the Year for the 2010-11 season. Playing in just 38 games before being called up to Wilkes-Barre, Ben Street posted 24 goals and 27 assists for 51 points, including eight power play goals. He's had nearly as much success in the AHL this season posting 21 points (12A, 9A) in 33 games with the AHL Penguins.

Brad Thiessen continues to rack up recognition from the AHL, as he was named the Baz Bastien Award winner for the AHL's outstanding goalie. Read about Thiessen here.



Breaking news out of the AHL today as the outstanding defenseman award was announced.

The American Hockey League announced today that Marc-Andre Gragnani of the Portland Pirates has been named the winner of the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL’s outstanding defenseman for the 2010-11 season, as voted by AHL coaches, players and members of the media in each of the league’s 30 cities. 

I will be at the WBS Penguins practices the next two days and will update on Twitter and post an update here in the afternoons after practices. Be sure to look out for injury updates tomorrow afternoon.