Penguins/NHL
Veilleux off to impressive start
Winger Keven Veilleux has drawn comparisons to Viktor Kozlov from NHL scouts and the 20 year old winger is off to very good start with the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Veilleux was a top performer in Wilkes Barre’s training camp and in his opening game netted a goal in Wilkes Barre’s 4-2 win.
His ability to play both ends is what has impressed the Penguins scouting staff and coaching staff. What has Pittsburgh intrigued though is Veilleux’s offensive potential. He underchieved a bit in juniors according to some talent evaluators but he has shown glimpses of whats to come.
Sneep a +1 in exhibition opener
Boston College defeated St. Francis Xavier, 4-1, in their Preseason Exhibition opener on Sunday. Penguins defenseman Carl Sneep (TIOPS 5th rated prospect) was a +1 in the opener with two shots on goal. Sneep logged over 20 minutes of ice time.
Hanowski nets two goals in exhibition opener
The #13 St. Cloud State University men’s hockey team opened its 2009-10 season with a 4-3 exhibition victory over the University of Lethbridge on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.
Hanowski (TIOPS #4 rated prospect) led the way for St. Cloud State, netting two goals on the night. Hanowski opened the SCSU attack with a power play goal at 2:29 of the first period.
With the score tied at 2-2, Hanowski added his second power play goal of the night at 1:10 of the third period.
Hanowski is the Penguins only prospect in their system that is regarded as a “true goal scorer”. Hanowski has great “puck skills” and a few scouts at the NHL combine even compared him to Tomas Vanek when it comes to his scoring ability.
In speaking to a member of the SSCU coaching staff, they have raved about Hanowski’s commitment to improve his game in areas other than the offensive zone.
Hanowski has already noted that he must improve his speed before making the jump to the next level.
More Notes
I’ve heard good reviews on Luca Caputi since he has been re-assigned. Caputi had four shots on goal in Wilkes Barre’s opener and he’s been playing hard I’m told.
The Penguins made a very under-rated minor league signing in adding
T.J. Fox to their ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers. Fox was a member of the Sharks organization, and will push for a roster spot in Wilkes Barre.
*Pittsburgh wants Eric Tangradi to improve his conditioning off the ice. That was a concern for him in the OHL.
*For Dustin Jeffrey to become a regular in the NHL or at least with the Penguins, he has to adjust his game and play with more of an edge.
