WB_VOICE/PAGES [B02] | 01/05/19
18:36 | CONNORSSTE
PENGUINS WEEKLY
B2 THE CITIZENS' VOICE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019
WHEELING REPORT
FIRST HALF IN REVIEW
The Nailers concluded 2018 with a 4-0 win over Reading before falling to Toledo, 6-2, on Thursday. John Muse recorded the win in net over the Royals, while Troy Josephs scored in both games after he was reassigned from the AHL. Two forwards were recognized by the ECHL as monthly award recipients for December. Nick Saracino was named a Plus Performer of the Month after recording a plus-minus rating of 16 in 11 games. Cam Brown was named Player of the Month after recording a league-high 26 points (9G-17A) in December. He was the first Nailer to receive the honor since Ben Street in December 2010. As of Friday, the team was slated for road games against Indy and Toledo. Record: 16-14-2-0, 34 points, fifth in Central Division
Last night’s contest against Milwaukee was the Penguins’ 38th game of the season, officially marking the midpoint of the 2017-18 schedule. Despite inconsistency at times, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is well entrenched in the postseason chase and has even made some history along the way. Here is a look back at the top moments from the first three months of play:
Jarry’s goal
AROUND THE AHL ■ Goaltender Mike McKenna is an AHL veteran and has led two different teams to the Calder Cup Final in consecutive years. But almost nothing could have prepared him for last week. The 35-year-old was traded from Ottawa to Vancouver on Wednesday, presumably setting him up to be the second-half starter for AHL Utica. However, he was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Flyers on Friday and reported to Philadelphia. Through Thursday, McKenna has appeared in a game for 20 different professional teams. ■ The AHL gave out its December awards, with Chicago’s Brandon Pirri named Player of the Month and Bridgeport’s Jeremy Smith named Goaltender of the Month. Pirri had 18 points in eight AHL games and also has six goals in seven games with the Vegas Golden Knights. Smith, meanwhile, went 6-1 for the Sound Tigers with a .931 save percentage. His only loss came against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Dec. 8 at Mohegan Sun Arena.
STATS TO KNOW ■ Defenseman Ethan Prow was named the Penguins’ lone all-star representative on Thursday. Prow is the first Wilkes-Barre/Scranton blueliner to have 10 or more goals at the end of December since Ross Lupaschuk in the 2002-03 season. ■ Forward Teddy Blueger has 15 goals through Thursday and is on pace to be only the second player since 2008-09 to score 30 or more goals in one season while playing for the Penguins. Daniel Sprong was the other last season. ■ Captain Garrett Wilson is averaging a point per game for the first time in his career.
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THE CITIzENS’ VOICE FILE
Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) is in the middle of his fourth season with the team and has 10 wins through Friday.
GIVING BACK Jarry, Pens partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters BY TYLER PICCOTTI STAFF WRITER
WILKES-BARRE — Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry isn’t afraid to provide an assist for his teammates on the ice. At the start of this season, he had an idea and decided to do the same for the youth of Northeast Pennsylvania. With a little help from the Penguins, Jarry has hosted a number of “Bigs” and “Littles” from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton home games at Mohegan Sun Arena. About twice per month, he and the Penguins provide tickets and small gift bags for the attendees. Then after the game, the 23-year-old meets with them to thank them for coming and to show his own support for them and Big Brothers Big Sisters. “It’s just about giving back,” Jarry said after a practice last week at the Toyota SportsPlex. “We do so much here in the community, it was just something where I asked Brian (Coe, Penguins vice president of operations) and management if I could do a little more. It’s nice to see that we’re able to do those things, and the team’s able to help me out by giving me the opportunity to get tickets and bring people to the game.” Founded in 1974, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge is based in Wilkes-Barre and provides services to hundreds of youth across Luzerne, Wyoming, Columbia, Monroe and Carbon Counties. Volunteer mentors, or Bigs, are matched with children age 5 through young adulthood, Littles, providing the latter with a strong support network and help in achieving their long-term aspirations. The Penguins coordinate the ticket distribution and meet up with the children and their mentors during the game to give them their gift bag and a postgame pass. Jarry will then spend a few minutes speaking to them, and likely pose for a picture or two. “It’s always nice to meet all the kids and the families that get to come to the game,” he said. Even when the goaltender has been with Pittsburgh, the program has continued with Penguins Antho-
Tristan Jarry has become the Penguins’ goto puck stopper in net, but his shooting ability forever etched his name in the team record book on Nov. 14 against Springfield. With his team up 3-1 late in the third period, the 23-year-old possessed a loose puck off a faceoff and fired toward the empty ThunderJARRY birds net. It was a direct hit, making Jarry only the 14th goalie in AHL history to score. The netminder has also been a great puck mover, recording two assists and frequently starting transition rushes. However, that shot is easily the most memorable highlight of the season so far.
The season opener One of the most memorable periods of the season just so happened to be the first one, also against Springfield on Oct. 6 at Mohegan Sun Arena. After falling behind in the first minute, the Penguins got goals from Ethan Prow and Zach AstonReese to take the lead. However, the offensive fireworks were com- ASTON-REESE plemented by a pair of fights, multiple dustups after whistles and a sequence in which opposing captains Garrett Wilson and Paul Thompson screamed at each other from their respective benches. The ending was pretty dramatic, too, with AstonReese scoring the only goal of a shootout to give Wilkes-Barre/Scranton a 3-2 win.
The Hershey rally
COURTESY OF WBS PENGUINS
Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry, center, visits with Littles Kailey and Brennalynn and Bigs Mary and Brianna after a recent game at Mohegan Sun Arena.
How to help According to its website, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge receives more than half its operating income through private donations. To learn more about making a donation, or how to volunteer as a mentor, visit www.bbbsnepa.com and click the appropriate link at the top of the page.
But Jarry said the various ways in which the team has given back off the ice since he arrived — whether it be reading to children at a local library, helping at a local food bank or even simply greeting fans at player appearances — have meant just as much to him. Whether he lands in Pittsburgh or somewhere else, he looks forward to seeing that tradition continue in the years to come. “It’s always been a huge thing in Wilkes-Barre ever since I got here that we go and help out the community as much as we can,” Jarry said. “We only have games on weekends most weeks, so we have a lot of time off. So, I think it’s about spending that time off with the community. “Hopefully, years after I’m gone here, somebody will continue to (partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters). I think it’s a great program, and it’s great what everyone around the community does for the kids. For everyone that’s in it, I think it helps out.
ny Angello and Pat McGrath stepping in to greet the Bigs and Littles. For Jarry, a native of British Columbia, the desire to give back is heavily influenced by his own support network. He said he members of his family have frequently worked with children’s hospitals through their business back home, and so he wanted to do something here. Wilkes-Barre has become somewhat of a second home for the goaltender, who has spent all or significant parts of the past four seasons as a Penguin. He has appeared in 113 Contact the writer: regular-season games with the team tpiccotti@citizensvoice.com; through Friday, winning 64 of them. 570-821-2089; @CVPiccotti on Twitter
Playing their third game in three days, the Penguins could have coasted to the final horn after falling behind 4-1 at Giant Center on Dec. 9. Instead, the deficit only seemed to make them hungrier. Teddy Blueger and Thomas Di Pauli lit the lamp late in the second period and Prow, as he has done so many times, provided a CRAMAROSSA huge goal in the final minute that sent the game to overtime and a shootout. For eight rounds, goalies John Muse and Vitek Vanecek traded saves to prolong the contest. But Joseph Cramarossa attacked the net with speed in the ninth round and slid a backhand past Vanecek that gave the Penguins a dramatic 5-4 win. — Tyler PiccoTTi
Visit CV Penguins Insider Blog at citizensvoice.com/ blogs for more analysis.
PENGUINS SCHEDULE FRIDAY at Charlotte, 7
SATURDAY at Charlotte, 6
JAN. 18 ROCHESTER, 7:05
JAN. 19 HERSHEY, 7:05
JAN. 21 LEHIGH VALLEY, 1:05
JAN. 23 at Bridgeport, 10:35 a.m.
JAN. 26 at BInghamton, 7:05
WB_VOICE/PAGES [B02] | 02/23/19
18:42 | PICCOTTITY
PENGUINS WEEKLY
B2 THE CITIZENS' VOICE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2019
WHEELING REPORT
BEYOND THE GAME SHEET
The Nailers won two of three games last weekend, beating Brampton and Fort Wayne in overtime and a shootout, respectively. Cedric Lacroix scored in both games, and goaltender Jordan Ruby made 42 saves in the win over Fort Wayne. Ruby has been the team’s best goaltender by far this season, going 8-4-1 with a .917 save percentage through Wednesday. Forward Zac Lynch, the team’s leading point producer with 52, signed a professional tryout agreement with Hartford. Additionally, forward Nick Saracino, who had been playing with Binghamton, was given an AHL contract by the Devils on Wednesday. Wheeling was slated for only one game, a Thursday night contest at Cincinnati. Record: 24-23-5-1, 54 points, fifth in Central Division
Hockey players are very serious about their craft, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t allowed to have a little fun. This week, Penguins defenseman Ethan Prow gives us a glimpse into the lighter side of the sport.
AROUND THE AHL ■ The AHL scoring race is turning into a runaway for Chicago’s Daniel Carr. Carr has points in eight straight games and scored a goal in seven of them. Through Wednesday, he has 64 points (28G-36A) in 46 games, putting him six ahead of Syracuse’s Carter Verhaeghe. ■ Bridgeport forward Josh Ho-Sang was named the AHL Player of the Week after recording six points (4G-2A) over two games. However, the former firstround draft pick isn’t happy with his status within the Islanders organization, telling The Athletic that he’s not opposed to being traded at the deadline.
STATS TO KNOW ■ Penguins defenseman Zach Trotman appeared in his 300th professional game last weekend against Utica. ■ Forward Ryan Haggerty has scored in three straight games and has 10 points in his last 10 contests.
QUOTE UNQUOTE “I think our line is really just clicking well. I think we’re just a hard-working line: We keep it simple, we get pucks to the net. It could be me, (or) it could be anyone getting those chances.” — Haggerty on the chemistry he has developed with linemates Jarrett Burton and Ryan Scarfo during his recent hot streak.
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PROW
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE
Carolina Hurricanes forward Warren Foegele, left, celebrates with his teammates after beating the Oilers on Feb. 15. The team’s ‘Storm Surge’ celebrations drew the ire of AHL Hall of Famer Don Cherry.
THE ART OF THE ‘CELLY’
Hurricanes put spotlight on player, team celebrations BY TYLER PICCOTTI STAFF WRITER
WILKES-BARRE — The “bunch of jerks” have made a believer out of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins assistant coach Jarrod Skalde. So much so that after flamboyant “Hockey Night in Canada” commentator Don Cherry railed at the Carolina Hurricanes for their elaborate postgame celebrations last weekend, Skalde was tempted to buy a team T-shirt emblazoned with the unflattering moniker. “When I first saw Carolina do that, I thought it was ridiculous,” Skalde said. “But as the season’s gone along and the entertainment business — things are changing, old philosophies are changing — I’m at a point now where I think it’s great. Great for the fans, and it’s such a great opportunity for guys to say thanks (to them).” The Hurricanes’ “Storm Surges” — which have included human dominoes, bowling, limbo and a faux walkoff home run — have become popular among fans all across hockey this season, so reaction to Cherry’s comments was swift and dismissive. In fact, Carolina’s viral performances might just be the latest evolution in how hockey players express themselves on the ice and teams engage with their customers. As recently as the 1990s, celebratory actions fans might take for granted now — like the fist bump line along the bench following a goal — weren’t part of the sport. However, that rigid line of thinking has shifted across the world. Skalde played professionally for nearly 20 years in a career that spanned the globe, and some of his teams weren’t shy when it came to celebrations. In Japan, players lined up in order and bowed to all four sides of the crowd after games. In Switzerland, his team started at the red line, skated toward the fan section and jumped into the boards. The crowd would then chant the name of a player that performed well that night, and he would take a victory lap around the ice. With NHL fans sometimes spending hundreds of dollars to attend a game and fighting constant distraction from their smart phones, he said an interactive gesture like that can be important for building interest in the team. Carolina, for example, ranks 28th in the league in average home attendance, but it has become one of the most talked-about teams on its chase for a playoff berth.
The team has been celebrating past moments in honor of its 20th season. What’s a moment from your own career that stands out as one of your favorites? I would say, big picture, I think being part of the tradition that (the Penguins) have made the playoffs every year. Just being a part of that, and the tradition that you see — it’s on the walls and everything. I think that’s one we want to continue. Who was your favorite player growing up and why? I’m a (defenseman), but I was a Wayne Gretzky fan through and through. Even though, he was a forward, just the way he handled himself and he was a great player. You’re asked to participate in a dream 3-on-3 tournament. Which players, from any era, are you recruiting for your squad? Since I’m playing, I’ll go Gretzky, probably (Nicklas) Lidstrom and (Martin) Brodeur in net probably. What’s a typical pregame routine for you? It’s pretty standard for me, I guess. I always get the same breakfast. I’ll always have pasta and chicken. I’ll always take a nap; two hours for me. I know some guys are more or less (than that), but two hours for me. And then when I get to the rink, I’ll take my stick and sit in the lounge, hang out there. Make sure I ride the bike, stretch and then get ready for the game.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE
A Carolina Hurricanes fan holds up a sign referencing Don Cherry, who called the team a ‘bunch of jerks’ during a TV broadcast. Skalde imagines it also helps with team camaraderie. “I’d love to know the conversations; it sounds like (Carolina forward) Justin Williams driving the bus on this,” he said. “I would love to see who comes up with some great ideas and what they talk about. It’s just a little added incentive.” It appears to be working for the Hurricanes, who had won seven of their last nine games through Thursday. Other sports seem to deal with the same question of how much celebrating is too much. A key tenet of baseball, though perhaps not to the same extent anymore, has been the importance of following unwritten rules of player conduct. Stare at the pitcher a millisecond too long or flip your bat a little too high after a home run and you’re liable to absorb a 95-mph fastball at the next plate appearance. Penguins forward Jean-Sebastien Dea, a self-proclaimed “big celly guy,” didn’t give any specific examples of such etiquette on the ice, but said hockey players are under a bigger microscope than ever before and cognizant to avoid anything that might insult other teams or upset fans. It goes without saying that overreacting to a goal in a blowout game might not go over very well. However, things like animated fist pumps, raising arms after fights and teams tapping their sticks to salute the fans have become commonplace
around the NHL and AHL. “Everything’s on social media these days, so you have to be careful,” Dea said. “At the same time, in the moment and the emotions, you just want to let it go sometimes. I think it’s fun to have the freedom to be able to do whatever you feel in the moment. I think that’s the most exciting thing about hockey when you score goals, make a nice play, big save, you can bring that enthusiasm and emotion.” Dea takes no issue with Carolina’s antics. “If you look in Europe, every team does it and no one is complaining,” he said. “Everyone likes it. In my opinion, it’s just fun.” The Hurricanes haven’t shied away from all the attention, updating their Twitter bio to “that bunch of jerks with the fun celebrations.” And if the Penguins asked the coaches for permission to do something similar after victories at Mohegan Sun Arena? “We’d have to pass it by (Penguins vice president of operations) Brian Coe first,” Skalde said with a smile. “If our players came to us and said, ‘We want to do something,’ I’d have to believe we’d be totally on board with that. I think it would be a great way to get more people to the games and people excited about the game.” Contact the writer: tpiccotti@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2089; @CVPiccotti on Twitter
If players were allowed to have their own goal songs, what would yours be? “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch If the team is on a long bus or plane ride, what are you usually doing to pass the time? Lately, I’ve been either sleeping — I can sleep just about anywhere, so I’ll try that — or I’ve been watching the show “Homeland.” It’s pretty good so far; I’m on season 4. It definitely passes the time. If you weren’t playing hockey, what would you probably be doing? Playing golf What has been your favorite city to visit on the road so far? Probably Charlotte, just the nice weather and there’s a Topgolf there. It’s just a nice city. Is there a city that you haven’t been to yet that you’d one day like to play in, maybe an NHL city? I think a lot of guys would just say just going back home. Playing in (St. Paul) Minnesota would be pretty cool. — Tyler PiccoTTi
PENGUINS SCHEDULE SUNDAY ROCKFORD, 3:05
FRIDAY at Providence, 7:05
SATURDAY at Hartford, 7:30
MARCH 6 LEHIGH VALLEY, 7:05
MARCH 8 HARTFORD, 7:05
MARCH 9 SYRACUSE, 7:05
MARCH 13 at Lehigh Valley, 7:05
WB_VOICE/PAGES [B03] | 04/14/19
23:00 | CONNORSSTE
SPORTS
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2019
Weekly
REWIND The top sports stories of the week covered by The Citizens’ Voice.
1
Wyoming Seminary snapped Holy Redeemer’s 78game WVC winning streak with an 11-5 win on Monday.
2
THE CITIZENS' VOICE B3
3
Dallas tennis won twice to improve to 6-0. The Mountaineers have only lost one point this season.
Meyers scored three in the bottom of the seventh to beat Hanover Area, 8-7, on Tuesday.
ONLINE EXTRA: Visit citizensvoice.com/sports, or subscribe to Citizens’ Voice Sports YouTube channell to view our weekly rewind video.
LOCAL ROUNDUP
PSU FOOTBALL
Chargers hand loss to Rangers
Konigus makes most of spring
STAFF REPORT
At Misericordia, Carbondale Area’s Liam Fox-Newcomb threw six innings and struck out nine to help the Chargers to a 9-2 win over Northwest on Sunday in nonleague baseball. David Piestrak went 2 for 4 for Northwest, including a double, and batted in a run. Mason Mott was 2 for 3. Northwest
ab Piestrak ss 4 Saxe 1b 4 Gregory cf 3 Savage ph 1 Capece rf 3 Krzywicki rf 0 Wilson ph 1 Verbinski rf 0 Antolik lf 4 MacDougall lf 0 Boyer dh 3 Mott c 3 Ridgely 3b 3 Pierontoni 2b 3 Noss p 0 Totals 32
r 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2
h bi 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 8 1
Northwest Carbondale Area
Carbondale Area
ab Vadella cf 3 Wormuth c 4 DePalma ss/p4 Durkin 3b 4 Durkin rf 4 Herbert 1b 3 Fox-Newcombp4 Virkitis dh 3 Ofner lf 0 Katchmore 2b3
r 1 1 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 1
h bi 1 2 1 0 1 0 3 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Totals
32 9 10 5
110 000 0 203 130 x
— —
2 9
2B: Nick Vadella (CAR), Pat Durkin (CAR), David Piestrak (NW), Jeff Katchmore (CAR). Northwest IP H R ER BB SO Noss, LP 3 6 5 2 2 4 Antolik 1 0 1 0 1 0 MacDougall 2 4 3 3 2 2 Carbondale Area IP H R ER BB SO Fox-Newcomb, WP 6 7 2 1 0 9 DePalma 1 1 0 0 0 2
Pittston Area 7, Abington Heights 2 At Hughestown on Saturday, Joe Stella had two hits and drove in three runs, and Brandon Constantino had three hits and scored o n c e a s P i t t s t o n A re a improved to 8-0 on the season. Gino Mariggi pitched six innings, allowing four hits and striking out four. He improved to 2-0 on the season. Alex Bouika came on to pitch the seventh. Dan Habeeb and Nick Notari each had two hits and drove in a run for Abington Heights. Abington Heights Barcia cf Kubic ph Allen p Gilbert 1b Deibert 3b Habeeb dh LaCoe c Notari ss Dempsey lf Myers 2b Gilmore 1b Albright ph Miller rf Petty ph Newman p Gabura p Totals
ab 3 0 0 1 2 3 0 2 3 3 2 1 2 1 0 0 23
r 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
h bi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2
Abington Heights Pittston Area
By DONNie COLLiNS STAFF WRiTER
Pittston Area
ab Krawczyk cf 4 Stella c 3 Cencetti 3b 4 DeLuca lf 3 Brody dh 3 Dillon rf 0 Mariggi p/p 0 Bouika p/p 0 Ralston 1b 3 Cunius 2b 4 Baiera ss 3 Cherkas ph 0 Constatino rf 3
r 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
h bi 2 1 2 3 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 0
Totals
30 7 15 7
000 101 0 201 130 x
— —
3B: Andrew Krawczyk (PA). Abington Heights IP H Newman, LP 4 9 Allen 2/3 4 Gabura 1/3 1 Gilmore 1 1 Pittston Area IP H Mariggi, WP 6 4 Bouika 1 0
R 4 3 0 0 R 2 0
2 7
ER BB SO 3 0 2 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ER BB SO 1 3 4 0 0 1
Girls Lacrosse At Dallas on Saturday, the Mountaineers were dominant in a doubleheader, beating Mifflinburg 22-0 and Midd-West 15-2. Shannon Barrett scored seven goals and had two assists against Mifflinburg, and Lauren Delamater adde d f ive g o a l s a n d t wo assists. Kaitlyn Conrad had three goals. Delanater led the team against Midd-West with five goals and three assists. Chris Leu added three. Dallas 22, Mifflinburg 0
DALLAS: Scoring — Shannon Barrett 7, Lauren Delamater 5, Kaitlyn Conrad 3, Sam Matushek 2, Olivia Delevan 1, Chloe Burke 1, Janet Federeci 1. Assists — Lauren Delamater 2, Shannon Barrett 2, Chris Leu 2, Hanna Oldt 1, Kaitlyn Conrad 1. Saves — Bailey Slacktish 7, Allie Morse 1. MIFFLINBURG: Saves — Alivia Witmer 8.
Dallas 15, Midd-West 2
DALLAS: Scoring — Lauren Delamater 5, Chris Leu 3, Olivia Delevan 1, Shannon Barrett 1, Gabby Olengenski 1, Chloe Burke 1, Sam Matushek 1, Hanna Morgan 1, Claire Charlton 1. Assists — Lauren Delamater 3, Shannon Barrett 1, Hanna Oldt 1. Saves — Bailey Slacktish 5. MIDD-WEST: No stats available
DAVE SCHERBENCO / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Penguins’ Matt O’Connor blocks a shot as Binghamton’s Alex Krushelnyski moves in Sunday.
Pens close season with win By TyLeR PiCCOTTi STAFF WRiTER
He nearly scored on two occasions. He got his assist when he fought off the Devils’ Colton White while driving to the net and fired a shot on goaltender Logan Thompson — making his AHL debut. The netminder made the stop, but the puck popped past him and Lacroix was there on the other side to bat it into the open cage with 10:30 remaining. Later on, Hirano gloved a puck out of midair and tried to put it on net, but simply ran out of angle as he crossed the red line. Speaking earlier in the week, Hirano was candid about how it took a while to adjust not only to the style of play in the United States, but also the culture in and out of the dressing room. “When I first came here, American people like joking around a lot,” he said. “(In Japan), it’s more serious. I’d be like, ‘Why are these guys so aggressive?’ I feel I’m getting better. I had good teammates. They respected me, and we had good communication.” That also helped him feel comfortable in this game. He was roommates with Lacroix during the ECHL season and played with him at different points, and the two were paired together on the fourth line. The chemistry was noticeable, as Lacroix had two goals and finished as the game’s first star. Hirano’s goal is still to reach the NHL someday — again, Fukufuji was the only other Japanese player to do so — and he wants to improve his consistency on defense. But in terms of what his point Sunday and success all season meant for all the Japanese players and fans rooting him on, he found it difficult to put into words. “I think growing as a hockey player can also help (the growth) of Japanese hockey,” Hirano said. “I need to work on my defense. Then, I could succeed at the next level.”
WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Yushiroh Hirano made history just by stepping onto the Mohegan Sun Arena ice on Sunday. He made even more once the puck dropped. Hirano became the first born-andraised Japanese player to record an AHL point when he assisted Cedric Lacroix’s third-period goal, and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins ended their 20th season on a high note with a 5-2 win over the Binghamton Devils. They finished the campaign at 36-30-7-3 and in sixth place in the Atlantic Division. “That was awesome,” Hirano said. “I felt comfortable after the first 20 (minutes). It was nice. ... (I wanted to) play strong defense and play simple. I wasn’t afraid with my play, so it was a good point for me.” Hirano is also only the second Japanese player to appear in the AHL, the first being goaltender Yutaka Fukufuji with the Manchester Monarchs. The 23-year-old was invited to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s training camp back in the fall before making his ECHL debut with Wheeling on Oct. 20. He began his North American pro career with the reputation of having a cannon for a shot, but has since proved his game is much more refined. He scored 19 goals for the Nailers and also added 38 assists, finishing with a plus-8 rating. “He made tremendous strides,” Wheeling head coach Mike Bavis said after practice on Wednesday. “He could always shoot, and that was kind of how he was labeled or identified. In terms of making plays for his linemates, (he was) more than a shooter on the power play. He was physical, People tried to step up on him, and he would just go right through them.” Hirano showcased that physicality Net gains in Sunday’s game with a couple of Matt O’Connor made 31 saves in big hits, including one on a forecheck in the first period that led to a scoring net for the Penguins, but the win was more than two years in the making. chance for linemate Cam Brown.
The 27-year-old’s last victory in the AHL was April 7, 2017 with the Binghamton Devils. The 6-foot-6 O’Connor was a highly touted undrafted prospect out of Boston University. He signed with the Ottawa Senators and made his professional debut in 2015 on the grandest stage imaginable, opening night in the NHL, but that would be his only appearance at the top level. After playing in 71 AHL games with Binghamton from 2015-17, the Ontario native bounced across four ECHL teams — appearing in no more six games for any — before finally finding a home all season with Wheeling in 2018-19. O’Connor went 11-10-1 with the Nailers and had a .905 save percentage. “You can’t put a price on that,” O’Connor said. “As a goalie, the game is pretty mental, so it helps to get settled and have that stable relationship with your coach. I think, for me, it was just a great opportunity for me to lead down there. Something I’ve never really been able to do, so it allowed me to be someone to make sure we were bringing it every night. I’m very grateful for (Bavis) developing me throughout the season.” O’Connor made a good early stop on Ryan Schmelzer in his game and was solid the rest of the way, bested only by a redirect in front and on a Devils power play. Penguins head coach Clark Donatelli said he liked his composure in net, and O’Connor is very nimble given his large frame. It’s no secret the Penguins’ final two games served as auditions for many players heading into next season, but O’Connor said he didn’t want to focus on that too much as he tries to reestablish himself in the AHL. “Goalies are like fish, they say,” he said. “You just try to look yourself in the mirror at the end of the season and know you did everything you could. Hopefully, there’s people that can use you.” Contact the writer: tpiccotti@citizensvoice.com 570-821-2089; @CVPiccotti on Twitter
PeNGUiNS GAMe RePORT Penguins 5, Binghamton 2 Binghamton 101—2 Penguins 032—5 First period: Scoring - 1, Bing, Schmelzer (Lappin, Jacobs), 18:11. Penalties - Bing, Studenic, tripping 9:32; WBS, Hirano, slashing 12:04. Second period: Scoring - 2, WBS, Lafferty (Miletic, Taylor), 11:22; 3, WBS, Lacroix (Lizotte), 14:24; 4, WBS, Miletic (Lafferty, Berger), 14:38. Penalties - Bing, Anderson, fighting 17:27; WBS, Erkamps, fighting 17:27; WBS, Schmelzer, faceoff violation 17:27. Third period: Scoring - 5, WBS, Lucchini (Addison, Lafferty), 2:10 (PP); 6, WBS, Lacroix (Hirano, Erkamps), 9:30; 7, Bing, Ramage (McLeod, White), 14:34 (PP). Penalties - Bing, Gignac, faceoff violation 1:34; WBS, Erkamps, roughing, fighting, 10-minute misconduct and game misconduct 13:28; Bing, Baddock, fighting and 10-minute misconduct 13:28; WBS, Lacroix, cross-checking 16:09. Shots on goal: Bing 12 9 12 - 33; WBS 9 9 9 - 27. Goaltenders: Bing, Thompson (22 saves on 27 shots); WBS, O’Connor (31 saves on 33 shots). Power-play opportunities: Bing 1 for 3; WBS 1 for 3. Referees: Beau Halkidis and Mathieu Menniti. Linesmen: Ryan Knapp and J.P. Waleski.
Three stars 1. Penguins F Cedric Lacroix, two goals 2. Penguins F Sam Lafferty, goal and two assists 3. Penguins F Sam Miletic, goal and assist
By the numbers 35 — different goal scorers for the Penguins this season. Cedric Lacroix became the final player on the list with his second-period tally.
Penguins lineup Forwards: Sam Miletic-Sam LaffertyChase Berger Jake Lucchini-Jarrett Burton-Brandon Hawkins Linus Olund-Jordy Bellerive-Jan Drozg Cedric Lacroix-Cam Brown-Yushiroh Hirano Defensemen: Jeff Taylor-Macoy Erkamps Jon Lizotte-Calen Addison Matt Abt-Dane Birks Goaltenders: Matt O’Connor-Alex D’Orio
Game notes ■ One season after Sebastien
Caron made a cameo appearance as the Penguins’ emergency backup goaltender, he did it again on Sunday for
Binghamton. The 38-year-old manned the WilkesBarre/Scranton net for parts of five different seasons from 2000-2006 and is one of the franchise’s most fondly remembered players. Caron last played regularly in the Deutsche Eishockey League (Germany) in 2015-16. ■ The start of the second period was delayed after the zamboni machine made only a couple laps around the ice and broke. Once it left the playing surface, the team ice crew used shovels to do minor work on various spots on the ice. The teams played the middle frame on the non-resurfaced ice, while a second machine allowed the third period to begin as planned.
Up next Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s season is over, and the team’s exit interviews will take place today at the Toyota SportsPlex. Pick up Tuesday’s edition of The Citizens’ Voice for coverage. — Tyler PiccoTTi
STATE COLLEGE — It’s fitting perhaps, they stood side by side for so much of Saturday afternoon. Neither of them got to Penn State, after all, the way so many who surrounded them did. Both of them have a long way to go to learn the offense, to earn playing time, to fulfill their goals. They had their bright moments in the Nittany Lions’ Blue-White Game, but for Kaleb Konigus and Anthony Whigan, it was simply the end to a means. Both came into Penn State’s 15 spring practices looking to show they belonged. Both impressed their teammates. “They definitely had some flash moments,” defensive tackle P.J. Mustipher said. “They’re both eager to work, eager to learn. I’ve seen great from them. I’ve seen them make tremendous strides.” A year ago, making a run even at some scout team work didn’t seem likely for Konigus. After all, he wasn’t even offered a chance to walk on as a true freshman last fall. But the 6-foot-2, 297-pound former wrestling star at Lake-Lehman earned his chance to at least compete last fall during walk-on tryouts. He started at right guard for the White team and, later in the game, even got some snaps at center, marking the fourth consecutive year a lineman from Lake-Lehman started the BlueWhite Game for Penn State. Connor McGovern, who entered the NFL Draft in January, started the last three. To Konigus’ right, Whigan got his first action for the Nittany Lions at right tackle, the position he said he wanted to compete for playing time at in December as he finished up a dominant sophomore season at Lackawanna College. “He has been someone who has come in and just worked very, very hard,” defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos said of Whigan. “I think his growth came on later in spring ball, but he has definitely gotten a lot better. “He came in a lot more polished than the average lineman.” How they’ll fit in this fall remains to be seen. Head coach James Franklin said he expects more of a rotation among linemen this year than fans have seen in the past, when only injury seemed to allow the starting five to be permeated. Just a redshirt freshman, Konigus has ground to make up in the battle for playing time against the three veteran guards, senior Steven Gonzalez and redshirt sophomores C.J. Thorpe and Mike Miranda. Redshirt freshman Rasheed Walker got the start at left tackle for the Blue team, which featured the firstteam offensive line. But, with Will Fries at right tackle, Whigan is likely competing with Des Holmes for the top backup spot behind both starters. “They push each other, and we push them, too,” Mustipher said. “When you go up against a great defensive line every day, you’re going to learn what you can do and what you can’t do. They’re working hard, and I think the offensive line is going to be great.” Contact the writer: dcollins@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9125 @psubst on Twitter
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Beekman hired as arena’s new GM Under his guidance, F.M. Kirby Center rose to prominence.
TIME FOR AN
for us but for the fans and everyone else,” Barrett said. “I want to thank (the fans) for their patience. Believe me, both sides were always committed from Day 1 that this is where we wanted to be. We had to find something that worked not just for us and the authority, but mainly for the fans, and that’s what we came up with.”
WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Will Beekman, who led the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts to a new level of prominence the past four years, will start work next week as the new general manager of Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Beekman, 41, had been executive director of the Kirby Center, in Wilke s - B a r r e, since Jan. 1, 2015. During that time, the venue attract- BEEKMAN ed top acts such as Jerry Seinfeld and cracked the Pollstar list of the 100 top theaters world-wide, based on ticket sales. On Wednesday, the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority announced that Beekman will replace former general manager Brian Sipe, who resigned last month to take a job in Kentucky. Beekman will work for SMG, a venue management firm which manages the dayto-day operations of the multipurpose arena in Wilkes-Barre Twp. The arena hosts a variety of events including concerts, conventions, ice shows and the home games of the WilkesBarre/Scranton Penguins hockey team. Beekman said the decision to take the arena position was “both easy and difficult.” It was easy since it is a good move for his career path and since he knows the arena well, having worked for the Penguins for six years after college, he said. However, it was difficult to leave the Kirby Center, where he worked since 2010 and made many friends, Beekman said. When asked if he expected any changes in arena operations under his watch, Beekman replied “it’s too early to say.”
Please see UPGRADES, Page A7
Please see BEEKMAN, Page A7
UPGRADE
MARK MORAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority have committed to a 10-year agreement.
LED lighting, extensive locker room renovations among several planned improvements at Mohegan Sun Arena BY TYLER PICCOTTI STAFF WRITER
WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Professional hockey is staying at Mohegan Sun Arena, and fans can expect several changes at the facility in the coming years. While announcing a new 10-year deal between the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, several arena upgrades were revealed. Terms of the deal include a nu m b e r o f p l a n n e d upgrades to the arena, which opened in 1999. The team will commit several hundred thousand dollars for extensive renovations to the locker rooms, and the authority has committed to spend more than $900,000 over the first two years of the contract, LCCCA Board Chairman Gary Zingaretti said. New features will include an LED ribbon board — which can display advertisements, stats and other graphics for all arena events — and a new LED lighting system that will improve the viewing experience for fans at the game and watching online. The new contract, unanimously approved by the LCCCA at its monthly meeting Wednesday runs July 1
MARK MORAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Luzerne County Convention Center Authority board Chairman Gary Zingaretti, left, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins President Jeff Barrett, met with the media Wednesday to formally announce a new 10-year deal between the arena and the Penguins. through June 30, 2029, keeping the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at the WilkesBarre Twp. facility. “What we’ve agreed upon is a contract that both parties are happy with,” Zingaretti said. “One that treats the Penguins as our partner, not just our tenant. We will be working closely together on advertising, sales and capital projects in the building. Instead of both parties sup-
plying the same services, we will split responsibilities and share the proceeds. It will truly be a cooperative approach.” The authority is committing an additional $1 million for improvements that, contractually, must be made by the end of the fifth season. Proposed ideas include a new team store and lounge. Work to improve Wi-Fi at the arena has already begun.
The board also officially approved and announced 10-year agreements with SMG as the arena’s management company and SAVOR as its food and beverage provider. They will begin January 1, 2020. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins President and CEO Jeff Barrett said the terms of the deal will not directly affect the price of tickets. “It’s a great relief, not just
Senate panel subpoenas Trump Jr. GOP-led intelligence committee wants to know more about his 2017 testimony. BY MARY CLARE JALONICK AND JONATHAN LEMIRE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — The Senate intelligence committee has subpoenaed Donald Trump Jr., calling him in to answer questions about his 2017 testimony to the panel as part of its probe into Russian election interference. That’s according to two people familiar with the subpoena who discussed it on condition of anonymity. It’s the first known subpoena of a member of Presid e n t D o n a l d T r u m p ’s
DONALD TRUMP JR. Unclear if he will comply immediate family, and a new sign that the Senate panel is continuing with its own Russia investigation even after the release of special counsel Rober t Mueller’s report on the same subject. It’s unclear if Trump Jr. will comply with the subpoena. A person close to the president’s eldest son, who
requested anonymity to disc u s s t h e m a t t e r, s a i d Wednesday that there was an agreement when Trump Jr. first testified before the intelligence panel in 2017 that he would only come once, and that he has continued to cooperate by producing documents and answering written questions. The person called the new request a public relations stunt and criticized the chairman of the panel, North Carolina Republican Sen. Richard Burr, for calling Trump Jr. in. The committee had renewed interest in talking to Trump Jr. after Trump’s
for mer lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified earlier this year. Cohen told a House committee in February that he had briefed Trump Jr. approximately 10 times about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow before the presidential election. Trump Jr. told the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2017 he was only “peripherally aware” of the proposal. The panel has also investigated a meeting between Trump Jr., other campaign staff and a Russian lawyer. Emails leading up to the meeting promised dirt on Hillary Clinton. Please see SUBPOENA, Page A8
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The Volpe Report on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on FOX56 hosts Pennsylvania State Treasurer Joseph Torsella, a man whose public service background earned him the title “Modern Day Founding Father” by the Philadelphia Inquirer for his part in making the National Constitution Center a “resounding success.” A Rhodes scholar, Mr. Torsella has had a long and distinguished career in public service spanning 25 years, including serving as U.S. Representative to the United Nations for budget management reform. In that position, Mr. Torsella, a Democrat, advocated for an unprecedented level of transparency, including webcasting of U.N. meetings and publication of United Nations’ audits. On Sunday, Mr. Torsella discusses the role of the state treasurer and talks about the many programs operated by his office, including the administration of the state 529 college savings program and safeguards he oversees for the financial health of the state. On Tuesday, between 10 and 10:30 p.m., during the FOX56 News at 10, tune in for Volpe’s Views as Chuck opines on the state’s shifting $4.5 billion from the Motor Vehicle Fund over the past seven years to pay for state police protection in communities without police departments, while nearly 3,000 bridges are structurally deficient. Joseph Torsella
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UPGRADES: Framework in place since Feb. BEEKMAN: Kirby announces staff changes, promotions from page a1
from page a1
He said his management style is similar to Sipe’s and that he expects the arena to continue to work well with other local venues, including the Kirby Center. Beekman’s departure led to staff changes and promotions at the Kirby Center, though no one was named to replace him as executive director. Lauren Pluskey McLain was named managing director and will assume all administrative oversight for the organization. She spent the last three years as the venue’s director of development. Anne Rodella was promoted to artistic director and will guide the theater’s overall ar tistic vision. Rodella has worked for the Kirby Center for more than 19 years, most recently as director of sales and marketing. Joell Yarmel was promoted to director of development. She had served as the
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venue’s associate director of development. The mood at the Kirby YARMEL Center on Wednesday was a combination of excitement over new opportunities and mela n ch o ly at B e e k m a n’s departure, Rodella said. “We are sad to see him go but we are excited for him and his family,” she said. Rodella described Beekman as a gifted communicator who excelled at creating partnerships. “He changed the direction of the Kirby Center,” she said. Contact the writer: emark@citizensvoice.com 570-821-2117
Barrett said the proposed LED lighting system is one used by the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lighting and will allow the team to utilize different lighting effects and colors. Locker room enhancements include improvements to the showers and overall structure, and planning will begin next week. Zingaretti said there were no specific issues or sticking points that prolonged negotiations and that both sides were always on good terms. The general framework of the agreement has been in place since the middle of February. “It was a matter of nailing down the final issues,” Zingaretti said. “So, there was not a lot of concern that it wasn’t going to happen. But obviously, as every day went by, there’d be a little bit of concern. Never
came in at 7:36 p.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the fire caused moderate damage, Guido said. The woman declined help from the American Red Cross.
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any that it wasn’t going to happen. “It’s equally important for non-hockey events. It’s all about improving the experience for fans, regardless of what they’re here
for, so that they have a good experience and come back.” With the deal complete, Barrett said the team can begin to figure out its ticket prices for next season and start the renewal process.
“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” he said, “and we know that, but we’re excited about it.” Contact the writer: tpiccotti@citizensvoice.com 570-821-2089, @CVpiccotti
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The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins will continue to call Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza home.
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WB_VOICE/PAGES [B02] | 10/12/19
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PENGUINS WEEKLY
B2 THE CITIZENS' VOICE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019
WHEELING PREVIEW
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
The Nailers opened the season on the road Saturday against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Their home venue, WesBanco Arena, has been in the spotlight after its icemaking system was found to be defective at the end of September. The playing surface is expected to be ready for the team’s first home game next Saturday. Mike Bavis is back behind the bench after leading the team to a 31-31-0-6 record last season. Wheeling missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year. The opening roster features a number of players that have suited up for the Penguins, including forwards Cam Brown, Ryan Scarfo and Brandon Hawkins and defenseman Macoy Erkamps. Luzerne County native Craig Skudalski is also on defense. rookie goaltender Alex D’Orio and Jordan Ruby form a solid tandem in net. ruby went 12-9-4 last season with a 2.87 goals-against average.
For hockey players, the equipment they use is just as important as the skills they possess. This week, Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Penguins forward Jake Lucchini talked about the gear he uses on the ice.
AROUND THE AHL ■ Ontario goaltender Cal Petersen was named the league’s first Player of the Week for the new season on Tuesday. In two games, both wins, he allowed only two goals on 95 shots faced. His shutout against San Jose was his first in more than a full season. ■ One of the most impressive starts of the season belonged to the Hartford Wolf Pack, which opened with a 5-3 victory over defending Calder Cup champion Charlotte. Matt Beleskey scored two goals, with Danny O’Regan contributing three assists. Through Thursday, the Wolf Pack were tied atop the Atlantic Division after also beating Bridgeport in overtime. ■ Future AHL Hall of Famer Michael Leighton announced his retirement during the week. The goaltender holds the AHL record with 50 career shutouts and 98 saves in a playoff game in 2008. He won five games as a member of the Penguins in 2017-18.
QUOTE UNQUOTE “The guys already talked about it. Early in the year, it’s a little bit difficult because it’s not fresh in their minds. So, it’s something we’re going to have to remind them about. But, I think (Hershey) had eight chances off eight of our turnovers. That’s way too high, so we have to address that.” — Penguins head coach Mike Vellucci on the importance of improving puck management.
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FrANk C. LAUrI / CONTrIBUTING PHOTOGrAPHEr
The Penguins’ uniforms are prepared for Saturday night’s home opener against Utica. The team facilities at Mohegan Sun Arena have been completely overhauled for the new season, including the dressing area.
NEW LOOK Upgrades to team facilities nearing completion BY TYLER PICCOTTI STAFF WrITEr
WILKES-BARRE TWP. — As the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have grown as a franchise since 1999, so have their staff and the amount of space needed to house them. So with a new lease agreement keeping the team at Mohegan Sun Arena for the next decade, Penguins President and CEO Jeff Barrett knew it was time to overhaul the arena’s hockey facilities. “The locker room was 20 years old and from a different era,” Barrett said. “Now, we have a head coach, two assistants, video coach, equipment staff, two medical people. All this staff, and we had the same small spaces.” That won’t be the case anymore. The Citizens’ Voice was granted a first look at renovations to the team’s dressing room and surrounding spaces on Thursday. Renovations began in early to mid-August, and the team staff and construction crew have worked, at times, around the clock to have everything ready as close as possible to the start of the season. Barrett estimates work will be completed within the next two to three weeks. All told, the changes will cost a little more than $350,000. To get a blueprint for what features to add, Barrett and the team staff received input from longtime Penguins captain Tom Kostopoulos and head coach Mike Vellucci. They also made a visit to Pittsburgh for inspiration from the parent club. Among the most notable changes are: ■ The team’s medical room will be larger and have the ability to accommodate three players as opposed to two. It’s also closer to the ice and team bench, making it easier for a player to be treated in case of catastrophic injury. ■ New changing stalls for players are being added. The main locker area now spans a direction perpendicular to the old one and features a large wallhanging projection screen that can be used by the coaching staff to show film. Team-specific wall graphics will be added to enhance the overall atmosphere. ■ What was the team’s changing area is now a lounge, where the team’s hired chef can serve postgame meals for the players and coaches. It will also feature common amenities like a microwave, dishwasher and television. ■ The weight room has been expanded and features a pair of new Keiser machines that provide air resistance training. ■ The team shower areas were upgraded and will feature a dry sauna for postgame rehabilitation. Generally speaking, the myriad rooms are more connected because of the changes in layout. The infrastructure even has a more modern look, with new brightly painted walls tak-
Brand: CCM — it’s nice because in college (at Michigan Tech), we used CCM. I know some guys use Bauer in college and they have to switch over. But, I was lucky enough I didn’t have to. Flex rating: I switched last year to 75. Curve: Last year, we had a few hiccups with my stick order at school. So, I wasn’t using the same one all year. Then finally at the end of the year, I got the one I wanted. I think it’s Jamie Benn’s curve. I don’t know what number it is. Maintenance: Usually, I just use the same tape job, same knob. Sometimes, I change my knob up a little bit. How many do you keep ready? Three — honestly, I’d like to use a new stick every game, but I can’t do that. I use the same stick in practice and then, for games, I don’t use that one all week (leading up).
Apparel Do you do anything special with the hollow cut on your skates? No, I think it’s a half-inch. Halfinch or three-eighths; I honestly don’t know. What kind of fit do you like? I kind of like feeling tight on the ice, not just for my skates. I use a lot of sock tape, which guys get on me about a little bit. I don’t like feeling loose. I usually have four layers around my body. What number did you wear growing up? I actually wore 9 pretty much my whole minor hockey tenure. Then when I was in junior, I was 25. My cousin wore 25 before that, and 9 wasn’t available. I switched to 9 in juniors, and then when I got to college I was 15. When I got here last year, they didn’t even give me an option. They said, “You’re wearing No. 9.” I said, “Perfect, it’s my favorite number.”
FrANk C. LAUrI / CONTrIBUTING PHOTOGrAPHEr
Top: The new lounge provides players a place to eat and unwind after games and practice. Bottom: The main locker room features the traditional team logo in the center. ing the place of the old white-painted stone ones. A few minor band-aids aside, the changes represent the first large-scale renovations to that portion of the arena since the team began play 20 seasons ago. “It’s now about comparable to (the Toyota SportsPlex facilities at) Coal Street,” Barrett said. “It used to be about three times as much space there.” The visiting locker room areas will remain the same. While fans won’t be able to see all of those changes firsthand, there will be a few others they notice. After experiencing repeated mechanical problems last season, the team will have a new zamboni with a state-of-the-art automatic leveling system. The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority also invested in a
new ribbon board, which will span most of the lower bowl and can be used to display team graphics and advertisements. It is expected to be ready around the time of the team’s third home game. Finally, a new LED lighting system will enhance the fan experience when it is ready. While the process has been hectic — with players forced to do postgame workouts in the arena hallway during the preseason — Barrett said the players are appreciative of the changes and will now be able to work out, study and unwind more comfortably. “Our theme for this season is hockey is on the horizon, just like it was 20 years ago,” Barrett said. “It’s a new beginning.” Contact the writer: tpiccotti@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2089; @CVPiccotti on Twitter
What’s your favorite jersey other than your own? I mean, our college jerseys were pretty nice. Where I’m from in Trail (British Columbia), the Smoke Eater jerseys in like 1961 are pretty sweet. I think it was 1961. If the team is going on a road trip, do you like to have anything besides hockey equipment with you for the trip? No. I usually bring my laptop and phone, obviously. I’m pretty simple in that regard.
Terms to know Blade hollow: a measurement of the circle cut into the bottom of a skate blade. A deeper hollow means the skate will have more bite on the ice. Flex rating: the amount of force (in pounds) required to bend the stick shaft one inch. In other words, a measure of the stick’s flexibility — with a lower number representing a more flexible stick. —Tyler PiccoTTi
PENGUINS SCHEDULE TODAY at Hershey, 5
WEDNESDAY BINGHAMTON, 7:05
SATURDAY at Bridgeport, 7
OCT. 23 at Binghamton, 7:05
OCT. 25 SAN ANTONIO, 7:05
OCT. 26 SAN ANTONIO, 7:05
NOV. 1 at Lehigh Valley, 7:05