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Non Game Day Pens Notes.... |
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Andre Roy has been sent to the Penguins AHL affiliate in Wilkes Barre Scranton. Hopefully he will get some quality ice time there and showcase the skills that he does have. He could possibly net the Pens a draft pick or something in a trade. I think that someone would have taken a flyer on him, but his salary is a bit to high for a guy who doesn't have a ton of "new" NHL skill and has been known more for his physical play and fighting. He had a decent run with the Lightning and even earned praise from TB coach John Tortorella earlier this season as an element his team was missing.
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If John Leclair has played his last game in a Penguin uniform, I would like to send him off with some compliments. He has been nothing but a class act during his time in Pittsburgh.
He could have pouted last season when then GM Craig Patrick didn't find a trade partner to take him, even though he knew he would be missing the playoffs for the first time in his career and good friend Mark Recchi has been dispatched to eventual Cup winner Carolina. Instead, he chose to pick his game up to a level that hadn't been there most of the season and lead a very young team to a semi decent finish last year. Leclair was one of the Penguins best forwards down the stretch last year.
When this season began, he gladly filled the leadership role that Head Coach Michel Therrien had talked with him about even though he had been a bit chafed last season when the same coach took his "A" away. He reported to work every day knowing that his ice time was decreasing nightly. He was one of the first players on the ice at practice and one of the last to leave it. Leclair spent time talking and joking with the young nucleus of the team and settled into his role as a third and fourth line player. It is something that other players have balked at in the past, but Leclair went about his business with class.
I have to admit I wasn't thrilled when the Penguins signed him last year, but during his time here he really showed the kind of person he is. It was nice to see a veteran player realize that things change a bit over the years and he never once complained or became a problem. I hope that he lands on his feet somewhere and is able to contribute and be successful. Thanks Johnny Vermont...good luck in the future.
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Defenseman Mark Eaton is still looking at a late January early February return from his wrist injury.
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Something interesting that I saw the Penguins selling this season: Gift Cards. I have always thought of giving hockey tickets as gifts, but you have to know that the recipient can attend the game you have purchased. It seems that you can now purchase a card and the recipient can choose which game/s they want to attend. Very good idea!
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The Penguins also are still doing their "Student Rush" program. I only wish it were available back when I was in school. A student need only show their student ID at the box office one hour before game time and they can purchase "the best available seat" for $20. That is a steal! The lines have been around the entire Igloo this season. Students begin lining up at 2:00pm on occasion....it is a really great program that other teams should look into.
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