Thiessen Gets Call to Pittsburgh
April 15, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Pittsburgh, PA - The Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled former Wheeling Nailers goaltender Brad Thiessen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Brent Johnson is ill so it is expected Thiessen will be taking his place as the back-up goalie behind Marc-Andre Fleury. Thiessen had just played his first professional post-season game on Wednesday night in a Game 1 loss against Albany.
Thiessen played in 12 games with the Wheeling Nailers in 2009-2010 going 8-3-0 with a 2.67 goals against average and a .919 saves percentage. His last game with the Nailers was on January 9th when he recorded his first pro shutout in a 26 save performance against Johnstown.
If Thiessen appears in game action he will become the 43rd Wheeling Nailers alum all-time to do so, most in the ECHL. Former Nailers to make it to the NHL this season have included David LaLiberte (PHI), Mark Letestu (PIT), Luca Caputi (PIT) and Nick Johnson (PIT).
Thiessen, 24, completed his first season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, playing in 30 games with a 14-14-1 record. The 6-foot, 180-pound netminder led the team in goals-against average (2.45), save percentage (.914) and shutouts (4).
Thiessen signed with the Penguins on April 8, 2009, and joined the team during their Stanley Cup championship run, providing practice support as a member of the taxi squad "Black Aces."
Prior to joining the Penguins, Thiessen started three seasons at Northeastern University. He played in 111 games, posting a 52-46-12 record. The Aldergrove, British Columbia native was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in his last collegiate season posting an impressive 25-12-4 mark last season with Northeastern, with a 2.12 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.
Come see more future Penguins start their careers in Wheeling! Season tickets for the 2010-2011 season of Wheeling Nailers hockey are on sale now by calling the Nailers at 304-234-GOAL. For more information, visit the team's website at wheelingnailers.com.
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