Bissonnette makes NHL debut with Penguins
Published on October 4, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV - Paul Bissonnette became the 33rd player in Wheeling Nailers franchise history to play in the National Hockey League when he took to the ice in Sweden this afternoon as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bissonnette logged 4:13 of ice time in the 4-3 overtime win for Pittsburgh over the Ottawa Senators.
Originally drafted by the Penguins in the fourth round (#121 overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Bissonnette has split his three professional seasons between the Nailers and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL). A defenseman for most of his career, he was converted to wing after being promoted to the Baby Penguins in December 2007.
Bissonnette, 23, appeared in 101 ECHL games with the Nailers between 2005 and 2007. He most recently appeared in a game with Wheeling on December 9, 2007. With the Nailers, he accounted for 69 points (16g, 53a) and 162 penalty minutes.
The Welland, ON native made a name for himself with the Baby Penguins in 2007-08 by registering 25 fighting majors (a total of 145 minutes) in 46 games. Overall he accumulated 373 penalty minutes in 205 minor league games.
He becomes the ninth Nailer to make his NHL debut since the start of the 2005-06 season and the fourth overall to appear with Pittsburgh. Jason Jaffray (Vancouver) and Joe Jensen (Carolina) made their debuts last season in the NHL.
The "Future Penguins" first preseason game takes place on Friday, Oct. 10 at home against the Johnstown Chiefs and will travel to Johnstown, PA the following night. Tickets for the exhibition game at WesBanco Arena are available for just $5.
Opening night for the Wheeling Nailers is Friday, October 17 at 7pm against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Individual game tickets as well as 2008-09 ticket packages are on sale now. Be sure to ask about our 2 for 1 season ticket offer, Kids season tickets as low as $180 per seat and V.I.P. Parking Passes are now available for just $110. For more information call the Nailers office at 304-234-4625 or online at www.wheelingnailers.com.
ECHL Stories from October 4, 2008
- ECHL Transactions - ECHL
- Bissonnette makes NHL debut with Penguins - Wheeling Nailers
- Bombers Sign Rookie Center Connolly - Dayton Bombers
- RoadRunners Ink Cleaver To Try-Out Agreement - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Bombers Set 2008 Training Camp Schedule - Dayton Bombers
- Bernier, Kinley, Perugini, Urquhart Assigned From Springfield - Stockton Thunder
- Lynx to Begin On-Ice Training Camp Monday - Augusta Lynx
- Penguins Assign Three To Nailers - Wheeling Nailers
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