As of 1 pm today the Pittsburgh Penguins have decided that the best course of action is to start rebuilding the franchise for a couple of seasons in order to stregthen the franchise for many seasons to come.
" We would like to thank our fans for standing by us through these times, and guarantee a cup contender for seasons once we have started building from within with a strong core of young players."
"Problem was we geared our team in the draft on a one year run figuring the league may not wash much past that but have soon found out that the league is much stronger than originally anticipated ( thankfully ) and will now pay the price with a drawback for a few seasons." said GM Rod Edwards
"The start of this rebuilding process started today with Pittsburgh sending the possible 1st overall pick in the draft to The Boston Bruins in exchange for a Vancouver first rounder ( slated to be pick 20 ) and highly regarded prospect Robbie Schremp and of course the return to Pittsburgh and also the rights to Pittsburgh superstar Mario Lemieux. Even if he never plays another game, he belongs here and we are so glad to have him." said Coach Paul Maurice
" The possibility of passing on a Kane or Gagner was a tough one. We feel there can still be a bonafide player left in this position come draft time and Robbie if he ever sees his potential will make for a solid player in the wings."
Al Scan Pennsylvania Post
-- Edited by Pittsburgh GM at 15:57, 2007-10-08
-- Edited by Pittsburgh GM at 15:58, 2007-10-08
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Rod Edwards Pittsburgh Penguins / Wilkes Barre Penguins General Manager BRHL2
Current Spot: 16th OV Record: 4 - 4 - 2 Last Game: Pittsburgh 7 Detroit 2
Well, since our first report in this internet paper a lot has changed the thoughts of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. Understanding it is still very early in the young season, management still cannot be happier with the effort put out by the club, and coach Paul Maurice.
" Thinking we would be a .500 team or better at this point was just something we could only imagine, and maybe we panincked somewhat at the beginning of the season stating a rebuild was more than likely." quoted GM Rod Edwards
"Unfortunately games like last night where we outplayed a top opponent, and won convincingly, did not help our thought process for the future of the team at all. Once again we are left wondering whether to rebuild for the future, or to try to get some hired hands to make a decent show of it."
" I'd like to think it is superb coaching by myself ! " giggled Penguin coach Paul Maurice. Realistically though our vets have stepped up and taken control and some of our younger troops have done an excellent job. The games we have lost have been extremely close and Manny Fernandez has been nothing short of brilliant for us. Defensively we have been strong as well and our forwards have bought into the system of good solid team hockey."
Understanding the Penguins schedule has not necessarily been against many of the BRHL2 powerhouses, a .500 record is still something to be happy about.
REPORT CARD
A+Joe Nieuwendyk 13pts Once again Joe is showing his worth and the old warhorse's value is greatly underated. ABrent Sopel 10 pts Newly aquired Sopel has been more than expected up to this point. AMarek Svatos 9 pts As in his first season with the team he is proving to be a consistent point maker. BPavol Demitra 8pts Playing C this season has definately hurt Pavol to this point. Much more is expected of him as a first line C. BTony Amonte 8pts Quietly going about his business as the savvy veteran has done a great job so far. BSami Kapanen 8pts Sami has been playing inspired hockey and is a valuable set up man. BPeter Schaefer 6pts Although his plus minus could be better he has been able to contribute to the scoring. B+Bryan Berard 6pts A pleasant suprize considering lasts seasons totals. Would do the team well to continue his stellar play as of late. BAdrian Aucoin 5pts Got off to a great start and although he his play has dropped in the last few he still is his old consistent self. CBryan McCabe 4pts Maybe the biggest disappointment of the season so far. Our number 1 D-Man has to step it up big time. BBrian Willsie 3pts Playing better than expected but improvement can still be needed here. DTodd White 3pts Another big disappointment so far this season. Really needs to find his game. BJoakim Lindstrom 3pts Playing time will only imoprove this potential star player BFrancis Bouillon 3 pts Simply doing what is expected of him. CAlexandre Giroux 1pt Got the chance to start with the big team with little effect. DBoyd Kane 1pt Expected to have a good year on the main squad after a sensational minor season in Wilkes Barre but showed it may be all over for him at this level. N/ARob Schremp 1pt Newly aquired Schremp will need time to step into the lineup and make an impact. CIan White 0pts Much more is expected from Ian and although off to a tough start it is early enough for him to make a major contribution. CSteven Goertzen 0pts Not ready for prime time as of yet. CNiko Kapanen 0pts Getting a second chance to get a shot with the big squad. Needs to prove he belongs DJeremy Williams 0pts Expected to make a difference this season but so far no where to be found. BManny Fernandez 1pt / 2.65 avg. Has been everything we need from a top goaltender but will need rest soon. DBen Bishop 0pts / 5.71 avg. Although only one game played it was not a good one. Picked to be the goalie of the future a trip back to the farm is what is desired for Ben at this time. N/A Michael Blunden Not ready for prime time as of yet. N/A Matt Moulson Not ready for prime time as of yet. N/A Staffan Kronwall Not ready for prime time as of yet. N/A Doug Lynch Not ready for prime time as of yet. N/A Mike Egener Not ready for prime time as of yet. N/A Kevin Nastiuk Not ready for prime time as of yet.
Possible Needs: Top C and a Backup G
-- Edited by Pittsburgh GM at 21:47, 2007-10-29
-- Edited by Pittsburgh GM at 21:48, 2007-10-29
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Rod Edwards Pittsburgh Penguins / Wilkes Barre Penguins General Manager BRHL2
