ZACH ASTON-REESE Position: RW Shot: L
HT: 6-0
WT: 204
Age: 23
How Acquired: Signed as a free agent 3/14/17
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Joined the Penguins organization as a highly-coveted undrafted free agent in March of 2017. Made his pro debut with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins shortly after signing. One of three finalists for 2017 Hobey Baker Award (best player in college hockey). Named to first-team CCM Hockey All-American Team, named Hockey East Player of the Year and First-Team All-Conference in 2016-17. Tied for NCAA-lead in points with 63, led NCAA in goals scored with 31, in ‘16-17. One of three NCAA players ever to reach 50 points in 30 games or less all time: (Kyle Connor, Michigan, 2015-16; Johnny Gaudreau, Boston College, 2013-14). Voted Most Valuable Player and Best Forward by New England Hockey Writers in ‘16-17. Semifinalist for the Walter Brown Award in ‘16-17, presented annually to the best American-born college hockey player in New England. Had most hat tricks by a Northeastern player in one season (3) in more than 30 years; three hat tricks in 2016-17 tied for first in the NCAA. Tied school record for shorthanded goals in a season with four. Named the Phil Hines Award winner as New England’s most improved player in 2015-16. Voted Second-Team Hockey East in 2015-16. Two-year alternate captain at Northeastern. Collected 50 points in 138 career games over three seasons with the Lincoln Stars (USHL) from 2010 through 2013. Chosen as a USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game selection in 2011-12. Red Line Report scout Kirk Luedeke on Aston-Reese’s abilities: “He’s a smart 200-foot kind of a guy. He doesn’t have a ton of size, but he plays bigger. He’s heavy on pucks, he’s resposible, he’s diligent, he works hard along the walls and he goes to the dirty areas and he’s got some jam. The offense has really come up in the last couple of seasons, especially this season, that’s what’s getting a lot of people’s attentions, but the foundation is there.” -Sports Illustrated, March 3, 2017
JORDY BELLERIVE
Position: C
Shot: L
HT: 5-10
WT: 194
Age: 18
How Acquired: Signed to an amateur tryout contract
• • • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Put up 56 points (27G-29A) in 70 games in his second season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) in 2016- 17, including 14 points (7G-7A) in 20 playoff games. Amassed a combined 92 points (38G-54A) in 135 games over two seasons with Lethbridge. Skated in four contests with Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in ‘16-17. Served as Team Canada-Red’s (U17) alternate captain at the 2015-16 U17 World Hockey Championships, notching four points (2G-2A) in six games. First ever recipient of CSSHL Freshman of the Year Award in 2014-15 while playing for Okanagan Hockey Academy White Prep. Lethbridge head coach Brent Kisio on Bellerive’s performance in 2015 training camp: “He’s one of the guys you expect to come in and be one of the dominant guys here at camp and he hasn’t disappointed... He’s a special player.” -Global News, August 28, 2015.
•
TEDDY BLUEGER Position: C
Shot: L
HT: 6-0
WT: 185
Age: 23
How Acquired: Round 2 (52nd overall) 2012 Draft
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Registered 31 points (7G-24A) in 54 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2016-17. His 24 assists finished sixth on WBS in ‘16-17. Finished in the top-10 in scoring on WBS with 31 points despite playing in just 54 contests. Ranked 2nd among forwards and 3rd overall on club with a plus-24. Played for Latvia in the World Championship. Played 4 seasons of college hockey at Minnesota State-Mankato from 2012-16. Secured Western Collegiate Hockey Association tournament championship in 2013-14 and ‘14-15. Completed his collegiate career with 108 points (31G-77A) in 155 games. He finished with 13 game-winning goals, 10 power-play goals and 2 shorthanded tallies. Named to Western Collegiate Hockey Association First All-Star Team in senior season in 2015-16 after finish- ing 2nd in the WCHA in scoring with 35 points. Tied for 9th place on Minnesota State-Mankato’s career points list with 108 (31G-77A). Played 2 years of prep hockey at Shattuck St. Mary’s in Minnesota from 2009-11. Helped lead Shattuck-St. Mary’s to back-to-back National Championships in 2010-11 and ‘11-12. Suited up for Latvia for 5 major international tournaments as an amateur: 3 times at the World Junior Cham- pionship (2012, ’13, ’14) and twice at the World Under-18 Championship (2011, ’12).
RILEY BOURBONNAIS Position: C
Shot: L
HT: 5-11
WT: 194
Age: 24
How Acquired: Signed to an AHL contract
• • • • • • • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Signed an AHL contract with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on July 25, 2017. Tallied eight points (5G-3A) in ten games with the Wheeling Nailers in 2016-17. Led RPI with 17 goals and 31 points, and tied for second with 14 assists, in 2016-17. His 31 points ranked 20th in the ECAC in ‘16-17. Ten power-play goals and three shorthanded goals were both team-highs in ‘16-17. Teammates at RPI last season with William Reilly, the Pens’ 2017 seventh-round draft pick. Scored double-digit goals in back-to-back seasons at RPI (15 goals in 2015-16). Played for three teams over two seasons in USHL between 2011-13 (Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Lincoln); amassed 88 points (42G-46A) over those three seasons. Finished 2011-12 second in scoring on Cedar Rapids with 39 points (17G-22A). RPI head coach Seth Appert on Bourbonnais: “His stick skill, strength on the puck and offensive playmaking ability give him the opportunity to be a valuable contributor at both ends of the ice.” -The Daily Gazette, July 16, 2013
THOMAS DI PAULI Position: C
Shot: L
HT: 5-11
WT: 188
Age: 23
How Acquired: Signed as a free agent 8/19/16
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Missed most of 2016-17 season, his first professional season, with various injuries after signing a two-year deal with the Penguins last summer. Played at Notre Dame from 2012-16 and was named an alternate captain his senior year. Voted Notre Dame’s offensive MVP following 2015-16 season. Tied for 14th in Hockey East with 14 goals in ‘15-16 for Notre Dame. Finished senior season at Notre Dame with 32 points (14G-18A), all career highs. Was teammates at Notre Dame with Penguins forward Bryan Rust. Represented Team USA at 2014 World Junior Championships in Sweden; registered two assists and a plus-4 in five games. Selected in 4th round (100th overall) in 2012 NHL Draft by Washington Capitals. Won gold at the 2012 Under-18 World Junior Championship. Born in Italy, moved to United States at the age of 12. Di Pauli on comparing his speed to Penguins forward and former Notre Dame teammate Bryan Rust: “I’m a similar type of player with a lot of speed, a lot of grit, hard working. Kind of the same size and body weight, too. Watching him and a lot of the other young guys was pretty encouraging. And obviously the coaching staff [in Pittsburgh] does a great job developing young players.” -Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, August 19, 2016
JAN DROZG
Position: RW Shot: R
HT: 6-0
WT: 174
Age: 18
How Acquired: Round 5 (152nd overall) 2017 Draft
• • • • • • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Spent 2016-17 with Leksands IF J18 and J20 teams, combining for 54 points (22G-32A) in 39 games; also registered four points in six playoff games between the two age divisions. Starred for Team Slovenia in the ‘B’ Division of the Under-18 World Junior Championship in both 2017 and ‘16. Earned ‘Best Forward’ and ‘Top Player on Team’ honors both years, becoming the first player in the history of the U18 ‘B’ Division WJC to win ‘Best Forward’ twice. Helped Slovenia win gold in the ‘17 tournament, leading all players in both assists (8) and points (13). Had the highest faceoff winning percentage in the tournament in each of the last two years (81.3% in ‘17; 71.6% in ‘16). Has played 15 career games at the WJC-U18 level, putting up 26 points (12G-14A). Also won a bronze medal with Slovenia in the ‘B’ Division of the 2017 World Junior Championship. Drafted in the first round (54th overall) by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) in the 2016 CHL Import Draft. Former Penguins director of amateur scouting Randy Sexton on Drozg breaking out as a late bloomer: “Jan is a little bit of a late bloomer. He’s from Slovenia, moved to Sweden and really caught our guys’ eyes in the second half of the year. We brought him to Pittsburgh for our combine, he performed very well and that helped us get over the top to take him. He’s an offensive player, he’s very slender, needs time to put on strength. But we’re excited to have him because he brings some offense.” -Pittsburgh Penguins.com, June 24, 2017
REID GARDINER Position: RW Shot: R
HT: 5-11
WT: 185
Age: 21
How Acquired: Signed to an AHL contract
• • • • •
Signed an AHL contract with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on July 10, 2017. Will be embarking on his first full professional season this year. Split time between Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and the Kelowna Rockets (WHL) in 2016-17; put up 6 points (3G- 3A) in 23 games with WBS and 37 points (18G-19A) in 28 games with Kelowna. Finished third in scoring and points per game in the WHL playoffs with 28 points (15G-13A) and 1.65 PPG, guiding Kelowna to a third round appearance in ‘16-17. Was a two-year alternate captain for Prince Albert of the WHL.
ADAM JOHNSON Position: C
Shot: L
HT: 6-0
WT: 155
Age: 23
How Acquired: Signed as a free agent on 7/6/17
• • • • • • • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Signed his entry-level contract with Pittsburgh following development camp. Ranked second on Minnesota-Duluth with 18 goals, 37 points in 2016-17. Racked up 133 shots in ‘16-17, good for seventh in the NCHC. Finished fourth in shots on goal among NCHC freshmen with 95 in ‘15-16. Duluth’s top scoring freshman in ‘15-16, racking up 18 points (6G-12A) over 39 games. Named First-Team All-USHL in 2014-15 with the Sioux City Musketeers. Finished second in the USHL in points with 71 in 2014-15. Also finished third in USHL in both plus/minus (+25) and game-winning goals (7). Minnesota-Duluth coach Scott Sandelin on Johnson’s versatility: “I like him in the middle of the rink because he can control the game. He’s a guy that you want with the puck. He’s got some dynamics that are dangerous.” -Duluth News-Tribune, April 5, 2017 Minnesota-Duluth teammate Karson Kuhlman on Johnson’s progress at center: “He’s gotten better every day. He’s really worked on his positioning to the point where he is great at it. He’s got it down defensively. In the offensive zone, he lets his skill and speed take over. The change has been really good for him.” -Duluth News-Tribune, April 5, 2017
SAM MILETIC Position: C
Shot: L
HT: 6-0
WT: 196
Age: 20
How Acquired: Signed to an amateur tryout contract
• • • • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Led the London Knights and finished tied for 12th in the OHL with 37 goals in 2016-17. Has registered a combined 69 points (40G-29A) over 100 career games in the OHL over two seasons, both with London. Put up a team fourth-best 27 points (12G-15A) in 58 games with the Green Bay Gramblers (USHL) in 2014-15. Played in 2015 USHL/NHL Top Prospects game. Played at prestigious Cranbrook-Kingswood Upper School (Michigan) for three seasons, registering a combined 127 points (59G-68A) over 58 games (2.19 points per game). Previously committed to Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) before electing to play Canadian junior hockey. Won Gold Medal at the Five Nations Tournament in 2013-14.
GAGE QUINNEY Position: LW Shot: L
HT: 6-0
WT: 201
Age: 22
How Acquired: Signed to an AHL contract
• • • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Strong performance at 2016 rookie tournament in London, Ontario earned him a spot at the Penguins’ NHL training camp in 2016. Finished fourth on the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL with 18 goals, and sixth with 44 points, in 2016-17. Averaged 0.98 points per game for Wheeling. Registered 119 points over 182 games across four seasons in the WHL (Prince Albert, Kelowna, Kamloops). Won a WHL Championship with Kelowna in 2015; averaging a point per game in the 2015 Memorial Cup tournament. Father, Ken, played 59 NHL games with the Quebec Nordiques. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton head coach Clark Donatelli on Quinney’s development at training camp: “[Quinney]’s learned to play with pace, which is big for us,” Donatelli said. “He’s an excellent puck handler. He put up a ton of points in junior… He seems to get it done.” -WBSPenguins.com, October 5, 2016
DANIEL SPRONG Position: RW Shot: R
HT: 6-0
WT: 180
Age: 20
How Acquired: Round 2 (46th overall) 2015 Draft
• Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. • Skated as a member of the Penguins’ ‘Black Ace’ practice squad during back-to-back Stanley Cup runs in each of the last two years. • Was one of the top offensive threats in Canadian junior hockey this past season once he made his season debut. Missed the beginning of the campaign due to offseason shoulder surgery. Named the QMJHL ‘Player of the Month’ in both February and March. • Led QMJHL with 1.90 points per game in 2016-17; averaged 1.31 points per game over four separate seasons with Charlottetown. • Had a seven-point game (4G-3A) against the Moncton Skaters on March 8, 2017; Also registered four four-point games in ‘16-17. • Led the QMJHL in power-play goals with seven during the 2017 playoffs. • Ranks second on all-time Charlottetown goal scoring list with 117 career goals. • Racked up a combined 117 goals, 144 assists and 261 points over four separate seasons with Charlottetown. • Made NHL debut with the Penguins on October 10, 2015; scored two goals in 18 games with the Pens in 2015-16. • Played in 2015 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on Team Cherry. • Penguins assistant GM Bill Guerin on Sprong: “He’s had the luxury now of being around the NHL guys [during his rehabilitation] for quite some time and he sees how they act, how they carry themselves. He’s had an NHL shot since he was 17 years old. He’s a goal-scorer. He’s an extremely hungry guy to do that, so that’s not going to be an issue at all. There are some defensive shortcomings we’re going to have to work on, but that’s just like any other young player. The main thing is that Daniel has something you can’t teach, and that’s how to score goals. And the desire for that.” -Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 26, 2016
FREDDIE TIFFELS Position: LW Shot: L
HT: 6-0
WT: 192
Age: 22
How Acquired: Round 6 (167th overall) 2015 Draft
• Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. • Signed two-year entry-level deal with the Penguins, beginning with the 2017-18 season, in late June. • Scored twice in eight games for Team Germany at the 2017 World Championship. • His 12 assists and 21 points in 2016-17 were career highs with Western Michigan. He ranked sixth on the club with 82 shots. • Western Michigan’s rookie of the year as a freshman. • At the international level, has represented Germany in three World Junior Championships (2013-15) and two Under-18 World Junior Championships (2011-12). • Played for three USHL teams in 44 days in 2013-14, putting up 13 goals and 50 points in 56 games that season. • Team Germany head coach Marco Sturm on Tiffels making a surprise splash at World Championships: “Freddie is giving us more than we had expected. Some of the others could learn a thing or two from him. He always goes all out.” -Deutsche Welle, May 9, 2017 • Team Germany teammate Christian Ehrhoff on Tiffels at World Championships: “Freddie is an important part of our team. He has the sort of speed that hardly any of the rest of us has.” -Deutsche Welle, May 9, 2017
NOLAN VOLCAN Position: LW Shot: L
HT: 5-9
WT: 192
Age: 19
How Acquired: Signed to an amateur tryout contract
• • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Helped the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League win the WHL championship by compiling 44 points (16G-28A) in 2016-17; also registered seven points (5G-2A) in 20 playoff games. Compiled 98 points (41G-57A) in 127 games over four seasons with Seattle. Skated for Canada Black U17 team at the 2017 World Hockey Championships, notching three points (1G-2A) in five contests. Won Western Canada Challenge Cup Gold Medal in 2013-14. Seattle Thunderbirds coach Steve Konowalchuk on Volcan: “His speed is up another notch, and that is helping him get time and space...He’s built like a brick wall. Guys think because of his size that they can hit him. He might be short, but they just bounce off of him. Plus his compete level and competitiveness are off the charts.” -The Seattle Times, September 24, 2015.
LUKAS BENGTSSON Position: D
Shot: R
HT: 5-11
WT: 172
Age: 23
How Acquired: Signed as a free agent on 4/27/16
• Notched six points (1G-5A) in 16 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2016-17, his first season in North America. • Finished with a plus-14 despite playing in only 16 games. • Missed most of the 2016-17 season due to injury/illness. Played parts of 2 seasons with Frölunda of the Swedish Hockey League from 2014-16. • Won the 2016 Swedish Hockey League championship with Frölunda while contributing 7 points (2G-5A) and a plus-7 in 12 postseason contests. • Led the Frölunda defensive corps during the regular season with a plus-17 mark in 2016-17. • Played in 113 regular-season contests for Mora IK of Hockey Allsvenskan (2nd highest in Swedish hockey league). • Recorded 68 career points (22G-48A) during his time with Mora IK. • Posted back-to-back 30-point seasons with Mora IK (2013-14, ’14-15). • Tallied the most assists (20) by a junior in 2013-14 with Mora IK.
ALEX DICARLO Position: D
Shot: L
HT: 6-4
WT: 214
Age: 20
How Acquired: Signed to an amateur tryout contract
• Notched 10 points (1G-9A) in 58 games with the Oshawa Generals in the 2016-17 regular season. • Ranked fifth in points, assists and goals among Generals defensemen. • His career-high 50 penalty minutes finished seventh among Generals in ‘16-17. • His two goals, 12 assists and 14 points were all career-highs in the ‘15-16 regular season with the Flint Fire birds.
CONNOR HALL Position: D
Shot: L
HT: 6-3
WT: 190
Age: 19
How Acquired: Round 3 (77th overall) 2016 Draft
• Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. • Missed most of 2016-17 season with Kitchener due to shoulder surgery in December; Missed most of 2015-16 season with Kitchener due to broken jaw. • Notched five points (1G-4A) in nine games in the 2016 OHL playoffs. • Member of Team Canada’s U18 WJC team in ‘15-16. • Penguins’ assistant GM Bill Guerin on Hall: “A good, steady defensive defenseman who is very hard to play against. He has a lot of sandpaper to his game. He has the ability to make a good first pass, moves the puck up to the forwards quickly. He’s not a jump-into-the-play-type of guy; he’s not like a [Trevor] Daley, who’s all over the ice and a smooth skater, but he has the ability to make a play when he has to. He’s kind of like an old-school defenseman, but I don’t want to undersell his talent level.” -Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 26, 2016 • Kitchener Rangers coach and former Penguins defenseman Jay McKee on Hall’s throwback style of play: “He’s one of those guys where it’s almost like you went back in time and pulled him out of the late 80s. He’s got a real edge to his game. He’s a guy that loves to play the body, has a real physical edge, he’s a great teammate and I think his offensive abilities are probably underrated.” -PittsburghPenguins.com, June 27, 2016
ZACHARY LAUZON Position: D
Shot: L
HT: 6-1
WT: 187
Age: 18
How Acquired: Round 2 (51st overall) 2017 Draft
• • • • • • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Was the Penguins’ top draft pick in 2017. First time the Pens chose a D-man with their first pick since Derrick Pouliot eighth overall in 2012. Earned Kevin Lowe Trophy as the best defensive defenseman in the QMJHL in 2016-17; the youngest defenseman to ever win the award (Past recipient: Kris Letang, 2007). His 21 points (3G-18A) were fourth among Rouyn-Noranda defensemen in ‘16-17. Member of Rouyn-Noranda Huskies squad that won the 2015-16 QMJHL championship and earned a spot in the Memorial Cup tournament. Named to QMJHL’s All-Rookie team in 2015-16. Amassed 34 points (4G-30A) in 135 games across four seasons in the QMJHL, all with Rouyn-Noranda. Collected eight points (3G-5A) over 29 career QMJHL playoff games. Also played in four Memorial Cup games in the 2016 tournament. Brother, Jeremy, drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2015 NHL Draft (52nd overall). The duo has been teammates with Rouyn-Noranda since 2014-15. Former Penguins director of Amateur Scouting Randy Sexton on Lauzon: “We like defensemen who are mobile, have great vision and can move the puck. Obviously, defending is important, and Zach fits that bill. He’s a tremendous skater, has great vision and he moves the puck well....Highly competitive. He’ll fit right in in Pittsburgh.” -PittsburghPenguins.com, June 24, 2017
ANTTI PALOJARVI Position: D
Shot: L
HT: 6-1
WT: 176
Age: 18
How Acquired: Round 6 (186th overall) 2017 Draft
• • • • • • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Was one of four defensemen selected by the Penguins in the 2017 NHL Draft. Spent the majority of 2016-17 with Lukko of Jr. A SM-Liiga (U20), amassing 11 points (1G-10A) and 14 penalty minutes over 47 games. Member of Lukko’s Jr. A SM-Liiga Bronze Medal-winning squad in ‘16-17. Notched a goal and an assist and a plus-2 over eight playoff games with Lukko in ‘16-17. Put up 39 points (13G-26A) and 136 penalty minutes over 93 games between Lukko and KooKoo of the Jr. B SM-Sarja (U18). Played a combined 12 games with Finland’s U18 and U20 national teams in ‘16-17, putting up three points (2G-1A) and eight penalty minutes. Led KooKoo U18 defensemen with a career-high 26 points (10G-16A) in 2015-16. Also set a career-high 102 PIM with KooKoo in ‘15-16. Penguins head European scout Patrik Allvin on Palojarvi: “Antti’s more of a puck-moving defenseman, probably needs a couple of extra years. I think he’s in a good situation up in Lukko in northern Finland there. Was on the national team a little bit, but obviously the Finns have a very strong D corps. So it will be tough for him to get on the World Junior team next year, but I think he’s still in the mix there. I would definitely say a little bit of a longer-term prospect.” -PittsburghPenguins.com, June 24, 2017
ETHAN PROW Position: D
Shot: R
HT: 5-11
WT: 180
Age: 24
How Acquired: Signed as free agent on 3/29/16
• • • • • • • • • •
Tallied 16 points (1G-15A) in 59 regular season games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2016-17. His 15 assists ranked third among all WBS defensemen, behind David Warsofsky (31) and Derrick Pouliot (16). Scored his first playoff goal against the Providence Bruins in the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs. Played in 149 career games for St. Cloud State, registering 99 points (19G-80A), a plus-51 and 24 penalty minutes in four years. Captained St. Cloud State to a National Collegiate Hockey Conference tournament championship in 2016. Was a Hobey Baker Award Finalist as the best college hockey player in the country in 2016-17 after posting 38 points (8G-30A) in senior campaign. His 30 assists and 38 points were career highs and the most by any NCAA defenseman. Received NCHC Player of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Offensive Defenseman of the Year honors and named an All-NCHC First-Team All-Star in 2016-17. Named to 2015 NCAA West Region All-Tournament Team. Played 2 seasons of junior hockey with Des Moines of the United States Hockey League. Earned All-Conference status as a prep hockey player in the Central Lakes Conference (Sauk Rapids-Rice High School).
KEVIN SPINOZZI Position: D
Shot: L
HT: 6-2
WT: 203
Age: 21
How Acquired: Signed to an amateur tryout contract
• • • • •
Served as team captain for the Sarnia Sting (OHL) in 2016-17, putting up 41 points (13G-28A) in 58 games. His 41 points, 13 goals and 28 assists were all career highs across all previous leagues in ‘16-17. Has amassed 113 points (28G-85A) in 275 career OHL games since 2012-13 between Sarnia and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Drafted in the second round (34th overall) in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection by Sault. Ste. Marie. Tallied 43 points (21G-22A) in 18 career games across France U18 competition in 2010-11.
JEFF TAYLOR Position: D
Shot: L
HT: 5-11
WT: 181
Age: 23
How Acquired: Round 7 (203rd overall) 2014 Draft
• Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. • Turned pro with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins following his senior year at Union College. • Led all Union defensemen and finished second among ECAC defensemen in scoring with 33 points (9G-24A) in 2016-17. • Tied for most game-winning goals in ECAC with four in ‘16-17 and led all ECAC defensemen with 31 points (4G-27A) in 2014-15. • Named Second-Team All-ECAC in ‘16-17. • Ranked fifth in NCAA defenseman in points per game (0.91) in 2014-15. • Won NCAA National Championship in 2014 with Union College. • Named to 2014 ECAC All-Rookie team. • Member of the 2013 Clark Cup Champion Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL). • Penguins’ assistant GM Bill Guerin on Taylor: “This is a kid we’ve been looking forward to getting since we drafted him. I remember his first development camp, everybody was like, ‘Oh, wow, look at this kid. He can move the puck, he can skate, he’s quick. He thinks the game well.’ And it hasn’t stopped. He’s an undersized guy, but he has the ability to get himself out of trouble because he’s got great feet and he thinks the game well. He’s having a good year, production-wise, because he’s developed a better shot and is more willing to use it.” -Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 26, 2016 • Union coach Rick Bennett on Taylor’s signing with the Penguins: “Our staff is very proud and excited to see Jeff move on to the next phase of his hockey career. It was fun to work with Jeff throughout his four years and to watch his development as he transitioned into one of the best defensemen in the country.” -Daily Gazette, March 27, 2017
DYLAN ZINK Position: D
Shot: L
HT: 6-0
WT: 181
Age: 24
How Acquired: Signed to an AHL contract
• Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. • Signed an AHL contract with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and made his professional debut with WBS near the end of the 2016-17 campaign following a successful senior season at UMass-Lowell. • Named to Second-Team CCM Hockey All-American Team in ‘16-17. • Tied for second among NCAA defensemen with 10 goals, and tied for third with 36 points as a senior. He finished fifth among NCAA defensemen with a 0.88 points per game average. • Tied for fourth among NCAA defensemen with 11 goals in 2015-16. • Scored winning goal in the “Friendship Four” Championship, securing UMass-Lowell’s first-ever Belpot Trophy. • Played with current Penguin Scott Wilson at UMass-Lowell in 2013-14. • UMass-Lowell head coach Norm Bazin on Zink: “He’s a special player. We like to think he’s the best offensive defenseman in the league. We feel he gives us an edge when he’s out there.” -Lowell Sun, February 16, 2017 • UMass-Lowell head coach Norm Bazin on Zink and teammate Michael Kapla’s styles of play: “I would say they are true new generation defensemen. They are the guys that can move the puck up the ice consistently and have an offensive flair and they both have a chance to play for a long time. That trend has been developing for the last five or six years. In the NHL there is a premium on puck-moving defensemen that can add to the offense, and these guys certainly fit that mode.” -New Hampshire Union Leader, March 24, 2017
ALEX D’ORIO Position: G
Catches: R
HT: 6-2
WT: 209
Age: 18
How Acquired: Signed to an amateur tryout contract
• • • • • •
Attended Pens Development Camp this summer. Appeared in 28 games in 2016-17 with the Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL), registering a 2.40 GAA and .903 SVP, along with a 19-2-1 record. Member of Saint John Sea Dogs’ 2017 QMJHL Championship team, and he saw action in one game for the club during the Memorial Cup tournament. Played for Team Canada-Black at 2015-16 U17 World Hockey Championships, putting up a 2.90 GAA and .895 SVP in two appearances. Ranked 13th prospect in North America by NHL Central Scouting. Selected by the Sea Dogs in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2015 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft.
TROY TIMPANO
Position: G
Catches: L
HT: 6-1
WT: 187
Age: 19
How Acquired: Signed to an amateur tryout contract
• Appeared in 44 games with the Erie Otters in 2016-17 and set career highs in GAA (2.37) and SVP (.901), with a 36-8-0 record. • Went 13-4-1 in the 2017 OHL Playoffs with a 2.73 GAA and a .895 SVP to help the team win the OHL Championship for the second time in team history (first was in ‘01-02). • Went 3-2-0 in the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup with the Erie, finishing second in GAA (3.66) and third in SVP (.832) among all goalies in the tournament. • Led the team to the Memorial Cup finals and were runners up to the Windsor Spitfires. • Played 93 games over three seasons with the Sudbury Wolves from 2013-16. • Selected by the Sudbury Wolves in the second round (27th overall) in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.