Minard returns, Rank and D'Aversa sent to Wheeling

March 28, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release

WILKES-BARRE, PA - The Pittsburgh Penguins have returned center Chris Minard to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, it was announced on Friday. Additionally, Pittsburgh has reassigned defenseman Jonathan D'Aversa from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have assigned right wing Kyle Rank to Wheeling.

Minard was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the second time this season on February 15. In 15 games with Pittsburgh this season, Minard has recorded two points (1+1), 10 penalty minutes and a minus-1 rating. He picked up his first NHL goal in a 7-3 Penguins win against the Buffalo Sabres on March 12.

Signed by Pittsburgh as a free agent during the off-season, Minard made his NHL debut on January 21 against the Washington Capitals.

The native of Owen Sound, Ontario is tied for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton lead with 21 goals this season, and ranks fifth on the team with 36 points.

D'Aversa has recorded six points (4+2) in 27 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season. Signed by Pittsburgh as a free agent on May 25, 2007, the rookie defenseman from Richmond Hill, Ontario has also skated in 20 games with Wheeling this season, recording 10 assists. He represented the Nailers at the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game in Stockton, CA, recording two goals for the American side in a 10-7 loss.

Rank, 25, has appeared in 25 games with the Penguins this season, recording one assist In two stints with the Nailers this season, the Elmira, Ontario native has recorded 18 points (9+9) and 17 penalty minutes.

The graduate of St. Lawrence University was signed by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton as a free agent on June 11, 2007.

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