1.
Name: Jean-Sebastien Aubin
Position: Goalie
Height: 5-11
Weight: 176
Birthdate: July 17, 1977
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec
Acquired: 1995 NHL Draft, third round (76th overall)
HF Comments: Jean-Sebastien has proven himself to be a future NHL starter. Actually, at the moment, due to Barrasso’s continuous struggle with personal tragedy, he is the number one guy and has shown the team he deserves to be there. He stepped up and did a terrific job when Pittsburgh needed him the most. Granted he’s made a few mistakes and may not have the hottest record in the American Hockey League, but his time on NHL ice has been more than impressive all things considered, including a ride on the yo-yo string between two leagues (AHL & NHL). Unless the goaltending situation changes drastically (i.e. acquisition of a new veteran goalie), expect Aubin to remain in the top spot during the 2000-2001 season.
Year Team League GP GAA W L T SO
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 9 4.35 2 7 0 0
Pittsburgh NHL 36 2.53 16 16 1 2
1998-99 Kansas City IHL 13 3.27 5 7 1 0
Pittsburgh NHL 17 2.22 4 3 6 2
2.
Name: Andrew Ference
Position: Defenseman
Ht: 5’10″ Wt: 190
Born: March 17, 1979
Edmonton, Alberta
Acquired: 1997 NHL Draft, eighth round selection (208th overall)
HF Comments: “Andy” had a shot in the NHL early in the season, and did a fine job for a rookie defenseman. Still very much a crowd pleaser, both in the NHL and AHL, he’s determined enough to make it in the “big leagues” on a full-time basis one day soon. He works hard, skates with incredible speed and skill, and doesn’t appear to be afraid of anyone or anything. Like Michal Rozsival, he is an offensive minded defenseman (with perhaps a little more grit than Michal has), who may need to sharpen his defensive skills, but overall is a welcomed addition to the Penguins organization. Former member of the World Junior Championship team (Canada) and WHL Humanitarian of the Year (1999), Ference has come a long way in proving himself. If it is future NHLers you seek, Andrew Ference should be on top of the list. Without a doubt, he will once again grace us with his presence on the NHL roster next season.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 22 5 11 16 44
Pittsburgh NHL 30 2 4 6 20
1998-99 Kansas City IHL 5 1 2 3 4
1998-99 Portland WHL 40 11 21 32 104
1998-99 Canada WJC 7 1 2 3 6
1997-98 Portland WHL 72 11 57 68 142
1996-97 Portland WHL 72 12 32 44 163
3.
Name: Michal Rozsival
Position: Defenseman
Height: 6-1
Weight: 208
Birthdate: Sept. 3, 1978
Birthplace: Vlasim, Czech Rep.
Acquired: 1996 NHL Draft, fourth round (105th overall)
HF Comments: Michal started off the 99-00 season on a positive note, impressing Penguins management enough to earn himself a full-time spot on the NHL roster. Since then he has continued to climb the latter of success. As a rookie, Michal still has much to learn, but he does appear to be doing so quickly. Over half way through the season, and one coach later (make that two if you include Hlinka), he’s not only earned the respect of his teammates, but more importantly he has also earned the respect of the coaching staff and management. Herb Brooks admits to being very impressed by Michal’s work ethics.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Pittsburgh NHL 60 4 13 17 38
1998-99 Syracuse AHL 49 3 22 25 72
1997-98 Swift Current WHL 71 14 55 69 122
4.
Name: Milan Kraft
Position: Center
Height: 6-3
Weight: 191
Birthdate: Jan 17, 1980
Birthplace: Plzen, Czech Rep.
Acquired: 1998 NHL Draft, first round (23rd overall)
HF Comments: Milan Kraft and his team, the junior Czech Republic national team, were the stars of the 1999 World Junior Championships in Sweden as they claimed a gold medal victory. If his performance on the international stage (5 goals 7 assists in 6 games) was any indication of the future, Pittsburgh is in for a real treat. Milan is an incredible player who doesn’t appear to have any trouble seeing the ice, or taking advantage of his opponents’ mistakes. Is this the start of another Jagr-like legend, or simply the evolution of a talented player who will eventually make his way to NHL ice? Time will tell, but the money is currently on the creation of another legend. Kraft’s estimated time of arrival in the world of professional hockey … the 2000-2001 hockey season.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Prince Albert WHL 43 26 30 56 32
1998-99 Prince Albert WHL 68 40 46 86 32
1997-98 Plzen Czech 16 0 5 5 0
Plzen Czech Jr. 24 22 21 43 12
5.
Name: Robert Dome
Position: Center/Right Wing
Height: 6-0
Weight: 210
Birthdate: January 29, 1979
Birthplace: Skalica, Slovakia
Acquired: 1997 NHL Draft, first round (17th overall)
HF Comments: In terms of talent, Rob Dome is a bright spot in the system. In terms of consistency however, he has improved, but still has some maturing to do. He had a strong showing in training camp and accepted demotion to the American Hockey League (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) like a real pro. Since then however, he’s remained an AHL caliber player, whose NHL career is now in question. Far from a lost cause, Dome still has a great deal of potential, but he must first master the toughest skill a player can possess, consistency. All it took was a little bench warming and being labeled a healthy scratch two consecutive games to re-ignite the fire within. Upon his return, Rob heated up the ice, kept the lamp lit, and got a temporary promotion as a reward for his efforts. Now more than ever, he is close to becoming the NHL worthy player the Penguins had hoped he would become, but he has to force positive play, dominating not only the puck, but also the ice. Patience is a must with all young players, the question is whether or not Pittsburgh will want to see this project through. Fortunately for Dome, Pittsburgh is not in as much of a hurry to rush its forwards to the NHL, as they are to utilize the defensemen in the system.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Pittsburgh NHL 20 1 5 6 0
Wilkes-Br AHL 33 11 17 28 52
1998-99 Houston IHL 20 2 4 6 24
Syracuse AHL 48 18 17 35 70
1997-98 Pittsburgh NHL 30 5 2 7 12
Syracuse AHL 36 21 25 46 77
6.
Name: Boris Protsenko
Position: Defenseman
Height: 5-11
Weight: 192
Birthdate: August 21, 1978
Birthplace: Kiev, Ukraine
Acquired: 1996 NHL Draft, third round (77th overall)
HF Comments: Protsenko’s strength is his physical style of play. Once touted as a selfish player who had earned the nickname “The Ukrainian Nightmare,” he has since proven to be a dedicated player who’s willing to work with the entire team. A trench digger with a decent amount of on-ice vision, Pretsenko seems to know exactly where to be when it comes time to score. Given the opportunity, he won’t hesitate to put puck in the net or make the play that helps someone else do the same. On the downside however, he could lose out because of Pittsburgh’s offensive depth, especially at Right Wing.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 47 10 14 24 35
POR WHL 2 0 1 1 5
1998-99 Syracuse AHL 65 24 24 48 84
1997-98 Calgary WHL 70 40 47 87 124
7.
Name: Jeremy Van Hoof
Position: Defenseman
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Birthdate: Aug 12, 1981
Birthplace: Lindsay, Ontario
Acquired: 1999 NHL Draft, 2nd round (57th overall)
HF Comments: Jeremy is a solid player who uses his size to win the battles in the corners and to stand strong in front of his own net. A plus 33 as of February 27th, he attacks the game with a great deal of maturity and shows no signs of letting up. Jeremy is the type of player Pittsburgh could definitely use. A dependable stay-at-home defenseman is hard to find these days. Finding one who’s only 18 years old is a rare commodity.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Ottawa OHL 57 4 12 16 65
1998-99 Ottawa OHL 54 0 13 13 46
8.
Name: Sven Butenschon
Position: Defense
Height: 6-4
Weight: 215
Birthdate: March 22, 1976
Birthplace: Itzehoe, West Germany
Acquired: 1994 NHL Draft, third round (57th overall)
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 53 11 17 28 68
Pittsburgh NHL 3 0 0 0 0
1998-99 Houston IHL 57 1 4 5 81
Pittsburgh NHL 17 0 0 0 6
9.
Name: Greg Crozier
Position: Left Wing
Height: 6-3
Weight: 200
Birthdate: July 6, 1976
Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta
Acquired: 1994 NHL Draft, third round (73rd overall)
HF Comments: Greg is playing very well for the “Jr. Pens” this season. He’s a smart player who uses his head and does what he can to change the momentum of a failing game. He probably won’t get a taste of Pittsburgh until next year, but he’s a likely candidate to do just that. It all depends on how well he works through the remainder of the season and whether or not he’s committed to a strong performance in the next year’s training camp. First impressions are always lasting impressions.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 49 17 19 36 25
1998-99 Michigan WCHA 39 7 6 13 63
10.
Name: Martin Sonnenberg
Position: Left Wing
Height: 6-0
Weight: 184
Birthdate: Jan. 23, 1978
Birthplace: Wetaskiwin, Alberta
Acquired: signed as a free agent on Oct. 9, 1998
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 47 17 23 40 97
Pittsburgh NHL 10 1 2 3 0
1998-99 Syracuse AHL 35 14 9 23 31
Pittsburgh NHL 44 1 1 2 19
11.
Name: Valentin Morozov
Position: C
Height: 5-10
Weight: 196
Birthdate: June 1, 1975
Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
Acquired: 1994 NHL Draft, sixth round (154th overall)
HF Comments: Statistically speaking Valentin had a decent season last year. This year however, he started off with a concussion, but has since come back to prove his worth. It’s still not certain whether or not he has the ability to make it to the NHL, but he is working on it and has become an offensive threat for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Valentin’s downfall is his lack of ability to complete a play and lack of aggression in obtaining the puck. If he can overcome those two obstacles, perhaps then he would get a chance to shine. Will he earn a full-time NHL spot within the next two years? It’s a long shot, but not entirely unrealistic.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 50 13 23 36 26
1998-99 Syracuse AHL 63 17 23 40 10
12.
Name: Pavel Skrbek
Position: Defenseman
Height: 6-3
Weight: 213
Birthdate: Aug 8, 1978
Birthplace: Kladno, Czech Rep.
Acquired: 1996 NHL Draft, second round (28th overall)
HF Comments: Skrbek has the tools to be a solid defenseman, however he must take advantage of his size. He already has the natural game sense and a nice shot. All he has to do is put the complete package together. He is learning, but needs to continue to do so before he can embrace NHL ice.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-BR AHL 44 6 13 19 34
1998-99 Pittsburgh NHL 4 0 0 0 2
1998-99 Syracuse AHL 64 6 16 22 38
1997-98 Kladno Czech. 47 4 10 14 126
13.
Name: Konstantin Kolstov
Position: Right Wing
Height: 6-0
Weight: 187
Birthdate: April 17, 1981
Birthplace: Minsk, Belarus
Acquired: 1999 NHL Draft, first round (18th overall)
HF Comments: Still a teen-ager, Konstantin has much to prove, but is predicted to do great things for the Penguins.
Drafted in the first round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft (18th overall), Pittsburgh was pleasantly surprised to see this talented winger still available. His greatest gift is his ability to skate. Some say he was the best skater in the Draft. Time, and of course some exposure to professional North American hockey, will be the true judge of his abilities. Don’t expect Konstantin to be a real force in the NHL over the next couple years, but do keep an eye out for him in the future. He’s at least a year away from Wilkes-Barre, but once he gets there its just a matter of adapting to the culture. From there, who knows.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1998-99 Cherepovec Russian 33 3 0 3 8
1997-98 Minsk Div I 52 15 18 33 60
14.
Name: Eric Meloche
Position: RW
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195
Birthdate: May 1, 1976
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec
Acquired: 1996 NHL Draft, seventh round (186th overall)
HF Comments: A senior at Ohio State, Eric is a graceful skater, who adds speed and power to his game to help make things happen. He has a shot unlike any other, and is greatly depended on in power play and penalty kill situations. The opposition knows all too well however, this skilled winger is a threat each time he steps on the ice. Its players like Meloche who make ice hockey one of the most exhilarating spectator sports. He’s may be gifted, but he can also be fierce.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Ohio State CCHA 32 15 11 26 116
1998-99 Ohio State CCHA 31 9 13 22 83
1997-98 Ohio State CCHA 42 26 22 48 86
1996-97 Ohio State CCHA 39 12 11 23 78
15.
Name: Sebastien Caron
Position: Goalie
Height: 6-1
Weight: 160
Birthdate: June 25, 1980
Birthplace: Amqui, Quebec
Acquired: 1999 NHL Entry Draft, 3rd round (86th overall)
HF Comments: This 19 years old is considered by many to be one of the best young goaltenders in the junior system. Drafted in the third round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Sebastien is starting to turn some heads. Let’s just hope he doesn’t follow the same path Hillier did –that of a junior star who never found his niche in the professional ranks, at least not in the AHL. Sebastien may be a slight built goaltender, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in determination.
Year Team League GP AVG W L T SO
1999-00 Rimouski QMJHL 42 3.48 29 10 1 1
1998-99 Rimouski QMJHL 30 3.25 13 10 3 0
16.
Name: Jan Fadrny
Position: LW
Height: 6-1
Weight: 185
Birthdate: June 14, 1980
Birthplace: Brno, Czech Republic
Acquired: 1998 NHL Entry Draft, sixth round (169th overall)
HF Comments: Jan is an explosive offensive player with excellent puck handling skills and a knack for protecting the puck. A native of the Czech Republic, he could potentially do very well under the direction of Ivan Hlinka in Pittsburgh, and would be a rather nice compliment to the man most of us consider the greatest player in the world, Jaromir Jagr.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Brandon WHL 51 24 24 48 54
17.
Name: Tomas Skvaridlo
Position: Center
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180
Birthdate: June 19, 1981
Birthplace: Zvolen, Slovakia
Acquired: 1999 NHL Draft, fifth round (144th overall)
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Kingston OHL 55 15 23 38 12
18.
Name: David Cameron
Position: Center
Height: 6-2
Weight: 178
Birthdate: April 27, 1980
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Acquired: 1998 NHL Draft, third round (80th overall)
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Saskatoon WHL 63 16 34 50 37
19.
Name: Chris Kelleher
Position: Defenseman
Height: 6-1
Weight: 210
Birthdate: March 23, 1975
Birthplace: Cambridge, Mass.
Acquired: 1993 NHL Draft, fifth round (130th overall)
HF Comments: Head Coach Glenn Patrick named Chris alternate captain for the 1999-00 season
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 48 0 10 10 36
1998-99 Syracuse AHL 45 1 4 5 43
1997-98 Boston U. HE 37 4 26 30 40
20.
Name: Alexei Kolkunov
Position: Center
Height: 6-0
Weight: 201
Birthdate: Feb. 3, 1977
Birthplace: Belgorod, Russia
Acquired: 1995 NHL Draft, sixth round (154th overall)
HF Comments: Kolkunov is projected to become a third or fourth line role-player, who before coming to North America displayed strong two-way play. In order for this to happen however, he must first continue focussing on what he can do for the team this year. If he puts forth an extra effort it will help justify the decision made by the Penguins scouting staff.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 53 9 17 26 21
1998-99 Syracuse AHL 55 5 13 18 20
21.
Name: Matt Murley
Position: Left Wing
Height: 6-1
Weight: 175
Birthdate: Dec. 17, 1979
Birthplace: Troy, NY
Acquired: 1999 NHL Draft, second round (51st Overall)
HF Comments: Matt is a sophomore at Rensselaer (RPI) this year. With a love for the game and a great deal of passion on his side, he should make it to the professional level. Whether he has what it takes to make it to the NHL has yet to be determined. The odds are against him, but like everything else … odds change.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 RPI ECAC 31 8 25 33 40
1998-99 RPI ECAC 36 17 33 50 32
1997-98 Syracuse Jr. A 49 56 70 126 203
22.
Name: Tom Kostopoulos
Position: RW
Height: 6-0
Weight: 204
Birthdate: Jan. 24, 1979
Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario
Acquired: 1999 NHL Draft, seventh round (204th overall)
HF Comments: In 1998-99, Tom was ranked 2nd on London (OHL) with 87 points in the regular season, and 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists) in 25 playoff games.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 54 19 20 39 77
1998-99 London OHL 66 27 60 87 114
23.
Name: Alex Zevakhin
Position: C/LW
Height: 6-0
Weight: 187
Birthdate: June 4, 1980
Birthplace: Perm, Russia
Acquired: 1998 NHL Draft, second round (54th overall)
HF Comments: Alex is a good skater with excellent speed. He is considered a creative playmaker with strong puck handling skills. He has a good shot with a quick release and the ability to maneuver in heavy traffic. An effective forechecker and two-way player, this impressive athlete is another bright spot on the Penguins prospect list. What more would you expect from a player who was ranked 59th among Europeans on the CSS mid-term Ranking, and had a final ranking of fifth. Captain of the 1998 Russian Under-18 team, Alex has proven himself as a leader, which could potentially inspire positive play in future teammates…. not such a bad quality to have on any team.
International experience: Won a gold medal with the Russian junior team at the 1998 Four Nations Tournament at Yaroslavl where he played with such 1999 Junior World Champions as Florida’s draftee Denis Shvidky, Phoenix’ draftee Kiril Safronov, Artem Maryams, Anaheim’s draftee Vitaly Vishnevsky and Los Angeles’ draftee Alexey Volkov.
**scouting information and 99-00 stats were written and provided by Denis Neznanov
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 CSKA Russia 9 1 - 1 -
1998-99 CSKA Russia 42 7 4 11 16
1997-98 CSKA-2 Russia Jr. 32 13 14 27 20
CSKA Russia 10 1 0 1 0
24.
Name: Ryan Malone
Position: LW
Height: 6-3
Weight: 185
Birthdate: Dec. 1, 1979
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, PA
Acquired: 1999 NHL Draft, fourth round (115th overall)
HF Comments: It would be wonderful to see Ryan return to the Pittsburgh area, his home, and make a name for himself. Before he can do so however, he must first develop his skills at the college level then tackle the challenge of professional hockey. Considering he’s only a freshman, it would be fair to say he’s off to a good start.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 St. Cloud WCHA 30 7 18 25 58
1998-99 Omaha USHL 51 14 22 36 81
1997-98 Shattuck USHSW 50 41 44 85 69
25.
Name: Scott Myers
Position: Goalie
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
Birthdate: June 11, 1979
Birthplace: Stonewall, Manitoba
Acquired: 1998 NHL Draft, fourth round selection (110th overall)
Year Team League GP GAA SA% W L T SO
1999-00 Prince George WHL 40 2.98 .907 22 14 3 1
Notables -
Name:Toby Petersen
Position: Center
Height: 5-10
Weight: 196
Birthdate: Oct 27, 1978
Birthplace: Bloomington, Minn.
Acquired: 1998 NHL Draft, ninth round (244th overall)
HF Comments: Toby is currently a senior at Collorado College. In 1998-99 he suffered from two broken legs, but has since recovered and has done a fine job challenging the season at hand. His efforts have not gone unnoticed as he was elected Team Captain for the 1999-00 season.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Colorado WCHA 33 14 19 33 6
1998-99 Colorado WCHA 21 12 12 24 2
1997-98 Colorado WCHA 34 13 15 28 30
1996-97 Colorado WCHA 40 17 21 38 18
Name: Joel Scherban
Position: C
Height: 6-2
Weight: 200
Birthdate: April 22, 1980
Birthplace: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Acquired: 1998 NHL Entry Draft, seventh round (196th overall)
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 London OHL 56 15 31 46 6
Name: Dennis Bonvie
Position: Right Wing
Height: 5-11
Weight: 205
Birthdate: July 23, 1973
Birthplace: Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Acquired: Signed as a free agent by Pittsburgh on September 20, 1999
HF Comments: Dennis is better known for how hard he hits than he is for his ability to score. In 1996-97 he set an AHL record for penalty minutes in a single season with 522. In 1994 he racked up 600 penalty minutes in 120 games between Kitchener and North Bay of the Ontario Hockey League. Since then his reputation has continued to grow. This year however, he’s adding a scoring punch to the mix.
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 29 2 20 22 210
Pittsburgh NHL 26 0 0 0 80
1998-99 Chicago NHL 11 0 0 0 44
Portland AHL 3 1 0 1 16
hiladelphia AHL 37 4 10 14 158
Name: Hans Jonsson
Position: Defense
Height: 6-1
Weight: 202
Birthdate: Aug 2, 1973
Birthplace: Jarved, Sweden
Acquired: 1993 NHL Draft, eleventh round (286th overall)
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Pittsburgh NHL 53 2 8 10 8
1998-99 Modo Sweden 41 3 4 7 40
Name: John Slaney
Position: Defense
Height: 5-11
Weight: 189
Birthdate: February 7, 1972
Birthplace: St. Johns, Nfld.
Acquired: Tryout 1999
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-BR AHL 33 18 23 41 19
Pittsburgh NHL 21 1 4 5 10
1998-99 Milwaukee IHL 7 0 1 1 0
Nashville NHL 46 2 12 14 14
Name: Tyler Wright
Position: C
Height: 5-11
Weight: 185
Birthdate: April 6, 1973
Birthplace:
Acquired: trade from Edmonton Oilers in June 1996
Year Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1999-00 Wilkes-Br AHL 25 5 15 20 86
Pittsburgh NHL 31 7 4 11 28
