Penguins Recall Goaltender Brad Thiessen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Tuesday, 02.21.2012 / 10:00 AM / News Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled goaltender Brad Thiessen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Thiessen, 25, has spent the entire season with WBS, helping to lead the Penguins to a current first-place tie with the Norfolk Admirals in the East Division. In 37 games this season, Thiessen has posted a 20-14-2 record with a 2.88 goals-against average. Thiessen’s 20 wins rank fourth (tied) in the AHL.
Last season the 6-foot, 180-pound netminder had a career year for WBS, winning the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL’s top goaltender and teaming with partner John Curry to capture the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award as the goaltending duo to allow the fewest goals in the AHL.
The Aldergrove, British Columbia native led the AHL and set franchise records last season with his 35 wins and seven shutouts. Thiessen posted a 35-8-1 record, 1.94 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage in 46 games.
Thiessen, who was signed by the Penguins as an undrafted free agent on April 8, 2009, has played three AHL seasons with WBS, going 69-39-4 in 113 career games played. He’s also posted a 6-7 mark in 13 career postseason contests.
Thiessen played three seasons of collegiate hockey at Northeastern of Hockey East from 2006-09. He posted a 52-46-12 record in 111 career games.
I'd be more excited, but this kid hasn't really played that well in the minors this year. I guess it's still worth a shot given how bad BJ has played though.
If I was a betting man, I would bet anything that BJ will be diagnosed witha phantom injury akin to when MLB pitchers are just terrible for a long stretch and teams make up an injury for them to free up a roster spot. Shero knows that BJ is one of the worst goalies in the league right now and is trying to phase him out without ending his Pens career by being cut. Dude is well-liked by his teammates and the team probably wants to keep him around for rest of the season expect they don't want him to play.
If I was a betting man, I would bet anything that BJ will be diagnosed witha phantom injury akin to when MLB pitchers are just terrible for a long stretch and teams make up an injury for them to free up a roster spot. Shero knows that BJ is one of the worst goalies in the league right now and is trying to phase him out without ending his Pens career by being cut. Dude is well-liked by his teammates and the team probably wants to keep him around for rest of the season expect they don't want him to play.
Well there ya go...
Shelly Anderson @pgshelly
#Penguins video coordinator Jim Britt on ice for upcoming AM skate as goalie. Plus Thiessen recall. Something up with Brent Johnson?
I remember way back the Org. said they wanted Thiessen to get some NHL action to see where he stood, since I think his contract is up this year(?). Hopefully he plays well.
Shelly Anderson @pgshelly
#Penguins video coordinator Jim Britt on ice for upcoming AM skate as goalie. Plus Thiessen recall. Something up with Brent Johnson?
I was really routing for BJ. Hes an older player(mid 30s) and was really hoping he could pull it together this year. This may as well end his nhl carrier if we let him go at this point.
Pity Thiessen isn't playing like he was last year.
He had a much better defense in front of him last year, too. There's a big drop off between Hutchinson/Potter and Picard/Despres as far as actual D goes.
He had a much better defense in front of him last year, too. There's a big drop off between Hutchinson/Potter and Picard/Despres as far as actual D goes.
Good point.
Although he'll have Paul Martin in front of him up here and he's the worst D-Man ever in case you haven't heard.
