Brian Strait

2005-06: Strait spent the past season with the US National under 18 squad, playing 55 games and serving as its captain. He was looked to as a great leader and character guy in the locker room. He had a solid season and helped lead team to a gold medal in the U18 WCs. Strait posted 2 goals to go with 12 assists and collected 72 PIMs for the season, while playing a solid two-way game. He was counted on to be a steadying force on the blue line.

2006-07: Appeared in 36 contests for the Terriers and recorded a respectable three goals and thee assists, with an accompanying 46 penalty minutes.

2007-08: Named the alternate captain at beginning of the season, Strait increased his numbers and decreased his penalty minutes, becoming a more effective all around hockey player for Boston University. He was also voted a runner up for the Old Time Hockey Best Defensive Defenseman award.

2008-09: In his junior year with Boston University, Strait appeared in 38 games and managed 2 goals, 5 assists, and 67 penalty minutes. More importantly he was a key cog in Boston University’s Frozen Four championship, often deployed to shutdown opposing teams top scorers. At the end of the season Strait would sign an entry-level deal with the Penguins.

2009-10: In his first professional season, Strait provided a steadying presence on the Baby Penguins blue line, normally with Robert Bortuzzo as his defensive partner. He managed 2 goals, 12 assists, 73 penalty minutes and a plus-22.

2010-11: Paired with Robert Bortuzzo, Strait made up one of the most effective defensive pairings in the AHL. Through 75 games he managed 2 goals, 8 assists, and a plus-22 rating. He also saw a 3 game cup of coffee in the NHL, playing mostly in a bottom-pairing role.