AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Grace Returns; Lannon and Collins Coming to Pens-Fest

Published on August 4, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release


A familiar voice will be resonating through the northeast Pennsylvania airwaves this season, as Tom Grace will return to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to serve as the team's play-by-play broadcaster for all Penguins games. Grace will serve the dual roles of senior director of broadcasting and corporate sales executive for the team.

In addition, Scott Stuccio has been named director of communications for the Penguins and director of marketing for the Ice Rink at Coal Street. Stuccio will continue to contribute to home broadcasts, providing color commentary, as well as serving as intermission host for both radio and television broadcasts.

"Putting Tom and Scott together gives the Penguins a broadcast team like no other in the AHL," said Wilkes-Barre/Scranton CEO Jeff Barrett. "Tom has always provided a unique and exciting outlook on the game, and Scott's new position will allow the fans additional insights and access into the behind the scenes world of Penguins hockey, at both the AHL and NHL levels. We're very excited to have two top-notch broadcasters calling our games."

A native of Boston, Grace called more than 700 regular season and playoff contests for the Penguins in his first go around with the club from 1999-2007. He left Wilkes-Barre to pursue other opportunities outside of hockey during the early days of the 2007-08 campaign, turning the play-by-play reins over to Stuccio.

Grace stepped back into the broadcast booth at his alma mater - Boston College - last season, serving as play-by-play man as the Eagles captured the NCAA ice hockey championship.

"Tom was always a fan favorite in Wilkes-Barre, and brought a very unique approach to calling games during his first go around with the Penguins," said Barrett. "When the opportunity to bring him back to the area came about, we just couldn't pass it up."

Prior to joining the Penguins in 1999, Grace served a three-year tenure as director of broadcasting and media relations for the Hampton Roads Admirals of the ECHL. His other pro hockey experience includes part-time work as the color analyst for the Worcester IceCats in 1995-1996, and he was a member of the NHL Entry Draft staff, serving as the floor coordinator for the event, from 1996-1999.

Stuccio will continue to play a large role in Penguins broadcasts, and will contribute to the team's online media coverage by providing weekly audio podcasts and interviews with players lacing up the skates in both Pittsburgh and Wheeling. He will also oversee marketing and sales efforts at the team's new practice facility.

"This is an opportunity for Scott to branch out into another side of the business with the ice rink, while playing an integral part in our broadcasting and digital media efforts," said Barrett. "We're committed to providing our fans with exclusive access to their favorite players, and Scott is just the person to bring that to them."

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins will begin their 12th season in the American Hockey League this October. Season ticket packages are on sale now and available directly from the Penguins ticket office by calling 570-208-7367.

LANNON, COLLINS TO ATTEND PENS-FEST

It will be an old favorite joining a new one, as former Penguins defenseman Ryan Lannon and newly-signed forward Chris Collins will be among the special guests at PENS-FEST 2010. The free event takes place on Friday, August 20th from 4:00pm-9:00pm at the Ice Rink at Coal Street Park.

Lannon, 27, originally joined the Penguins in 2005-06 after a successful four-year collegiate career at Harvard University. In 217 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Lannon compiled 42 points (5G, 37A) and 165 penalty minutes. The native of Grafton, Massachusetts also appeared in 45 postseason contests with the Penguins, and was an integral part of the Penguins' blueline during the team's run through the 2008 Calder Cup Finals.

Collins, a native of Fairport, NY, was signed by the Penguins as a free agent on July 28. He spent his last two seasons in Germany with the Augsberg Panthers (DEL), where he posted 79 points (37G, 42A) and 150 penalty minutes over 80 games. His 46 points last season placed him sixth on the Panthers in scoring. The 5-8, 202-lb. left wing also logged 43 points (24G, 19A) in 99 regular-season games in the AHL, all as a member of the Providence Bruins, from 2006-08.

Collins completed his four-year collegiate career at Boston College (HE) in 2005-06, a season in which he tied for the nation's lead with 63 points (34G, 29A). He was one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, and helped lead the Eagles to the Frozen Four. He was also named Hockey East's Player of the Year.

PENS-FEST 2010 will feature outdoor games and activities, face painters, entertainment, a visit from team mascot Tux, and autograph sessions featuring current and former Penguins players.

Additionally, a pair of FREE public skating sessions will be held at the Ice Rink at Coal Street Park. Everyone is welcome to come down and experience the area's newest and coolest spot to lace up the skates for no cost at all (skate rental is also free)!

Penguins fans will also get the first glimpse of the team's 2010-11 alternate jersey, can check out merchandise and equipment in the expanded team pro shop, and will be able to tour the team's new locker room facilities.

The event takes place from 4:00pm-9:00pm, and is free and open to everyone (food and beverages will be available to purchase from the rink's concession stand).

For more information on PENS-FEST 2010, contact the Penguins at 570-208-7367.

WHAT: Pens-Fest 2010

WHERE: The Ice Rink at Coal Street, 40 Coal Street, Wilkes-Barre

WHEN: Friday, August 20 from 4:00pm-9:00pm

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

- Outdoor Games and Activities: 4:00-8:00pm

- FREE Public Skating Session #1: 4:00-6:00pm

- Player Autograph Signings: 6:00-8:00pm

- FREE Public Skating Session #2: 7:30-9:00pm

Check out the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Statistics

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