The Pittsburgh Penguins have revealed a series of new hires and promotions within their hockey operations staff:
New Additions to Staff:
- Jonathan Erlichman - Vice President, Hockey Research, Development & Strategy
- Kevin Elliott – Head Athletic Trainer
- Lucas Malloy – Manager, Hockey Operations
- Chris Roque – Amateur Scout
- Brandon Dennis – Amateur Scout
- Brian Ihnacak – Amateur Scout
- Jason Pietrzykowski – Professional Scout
- Chad Nehring – Professional Scout
- Karel Popper – Goaltender Coach, Wheeling Nailers
Promotions within Staff:
- Jason Spezza – Assistant General Manager & General Manager, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Amanda Kessel – Manager, Minor League Operations and Assistant General Manager, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Kain Tisi – Goaltender Coach, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Mark Osiecki – Professional & NCAA Scout
Jonathan Erlichman joins the Penguins following a successful 12-year tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays in MLB. His last role there was as Vice President of Process and Analytics, where he collaborated across various departments to support impactful projects and research concerning player wellness. He has also served in several other capacities with the Rays, including Process and Analytics Coach (2019-23), Director of Analytics (2016-19), and Baseball Research and Development Analyst (2013-16). Notably, in 2019, Erlichman became the first data analyst in MLB history to transition from the front office to the dugout as an Analytics Coach.
A native of Toronto, Ontario, Erlichman earned a degree in Mathematics from Princeton University in 2012. In his new position, he will oversee the Penguins’ Research & Development strategy, focusing on data and analytics to enhance the processes of player acquisition, development, and evaluation. He will also lead future hockey operations strategy projects for the organization and report directly to Dubas.
Kevin Elliott, at 58 years old, steps into the role of Head Athletic Trainer for Pittsburgh after serving as Manager of Medical Services for Hockey Canada for the last three years. His experience includes being an Athletic Trainer for various Hockey Canada programs, such as the U-20 National Junior Team, the Men’s Under-18 and Under-17 teams, and multiple World Championship squads, including Team Canada during the 2022 Olympic Games.
Before joining Hockey Canada, Elliott spent 17 seasons as Head Athletic Trainer for the Charlottetown Islanders in the QMJHL (2003-07, 2009-21), with short stints at the Florida Panthers (2007-08) and the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers (2008-09). In his new position, he will manage the daily organization of player health and wellness, working alongside a multi-disciplinary team that includes a medical director, medical consultants, sports performance specialists, and physical therapists. Additionally, he will assess players’ conditions during practices and games, proactively addressing injury risks through effective training protocols and strategies. Elliott will collaborate with the Director of High Performance, Marty Lauzon, and report to Club Medical Director and Head Team Physician, Dr. Dharmesh Vyas.
Lucas Malloy comes on board as the Manager of Hockey Operations after spending the last five years with Fenway Sports Management. In his last three years there, he served as Special Assistant to former Penguins Alternate Governor, David Beeston, playing a crucial role in securing a controlling interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins, acquiring a TGL golf team now renamed Boston Common Golf, and contributing to a minority investment in PGA Tour Enterprises. Malloy also managed the leadership search processes for both the Pittsburgh Penguins in spring 2023 and the Boston Red Sox in fall 2023. In his new role, Malloy will provide assistance and support to the organization.
The hockey operations staff will concentrate on significant business-related projects and strategic initiatives, acting as a bridge between hockey operations, business operations, and Fenway Sports Group. He will report directly to Dubas.
Joining Pittsburgh’s amateur scouting team are Roque, Dennis, and Ihnacak, while Pietrzykowski and Nehring will be part of the Penguins’ professional scouting staff. Roque, Dennis, and Ihnacak will report directly to Vice President of Player Personnel Wes Clark, whereas Pietrzykowski and Nehring will report to Director of Professional Personnel Andy Saucier.
Roque brings nearly 20 years of scouting experience, having served as a scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs (2018-24), Soo Greyhounds (2011-18), and Kingston Frontenacs (2005-11) in the OHL.
Dennis, tasked with scouting players across the United States, has spent the last two seasons as an Assistant Coach for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL. Previously, from 2020-22, he was a scout for the Chicago Steel (USHL) and served as the Manager of Business Development at USA Hockey from 2019-22.
Ihnacak has spent the last two seasons as a European Scout for the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL, following a 17-year professional playing career that spanned North America and Europe. Originally drafted in the ninth round (259th overall) by the Penguins in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ihnacak will focus on scouting players in Europe.
Pietrzykowski has dedicated his entire 15-year professional career to the Edmonton Oilers organization, recently serving as a professional scout (2022-24) and as the team’s assistant video coach (2009-22).
Nehring recently wrapped up a 12-year professional playing career across the ECHL, AHL, and Germany’s top league, the DEL, from 2011-24. The native of Springside, Saskatchewan, also had a four-year collegiate career at Lake Superior State University, where he earned a degree in Exercise Science.
Popper will take on the role of Goaltending Coach for the Wheeling Nailers after spending the previous three seasons as an Assistant Coach for the Chicago Steel in the USHL. During Popper’s time with the club, the Steel consistently finished in the top two for overall record and made the playoffs all three seasons. A native of Mainville, Ohio, he also served as the Men’s and Women’s Goaltending Coach at the University of Minnesota (2018-21) and as the Assistant Coach for the Ohio State Women’s team in 2016-17.
In addition to his role as the Penguins’ Assistant General Manager, Spezza has been appointed General Manager of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In this expanded capacity, Spezza will oversee all aspects of the Penguins’ American Hockey League affiliate.
Kessel, now in her third season with the Penguins, has been promoted to Manager of Minor League Operations and Assistant General Manager of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. She previously served as Special Assistant to the General Manager in Pittsburgh during the 2023-24 season. In her new position, she will support Spezza with all matters related to WBS and supervise the Penguins’ ECHL affiliate in Wheeling to facilitate effective communication between Pittsburgh and its member clubs.
Tisi has been promoted to Goaltending Coach for WBS after spending the past two years as Pittsburgh’s Goaltending Development Coach, where he primarily worked with goaltenders in WBS and emerging prospects within the Penguins organization. Before joining the Penguins, the Mississauga, Ontario native dedicated seven seasons to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League as the team’s goaltending coach.
Osiecki recently concluded his first season with Pittsburgh as a professional scout, where he focused on evaluating professional organizations in the midwestern United States. In his expanded role, he will also scout draft-eligible prospects and free agents in collegiate hockey. A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, he boasts nearly 30 years of coaching experience at various levels, including the AHL, USHL, and collegiate hockey, most recently serving as an Associate Coach at the University of Wisconsin.
# Pittsburgh Penguins Announce Significant Hockey Operations Staff Changes: New Hires and Promotions
The Pittsburgh Penguins, a storied franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL), have recently made headlines with a series of significant changes to their hockey operations staff. These adjustments come as the Penguins look to strengthen their organization and prepare for upcoming seasons. This article delves into the details of these changes, including key new hires and promotions, along with their potential impact on the team.
## Overview of Recent Changes
The Penguins’ hockey operations staff overhaul includes several essential appointments that reflect the organization’s commitment to excellence. The new hires and promotions are aimed at enhancing player development, scouting, and overall team performance. Here’s a closer look at the personnel changes that have sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike.
### Key New Hires
1. **Jason Botterill – Assistant General Manager**
- Botterill returns to Pittsburgh after a successful stint as the General Manager of the Buffalo Sabres. His extensive experience in player evaluation and team development is expected to bolster the Penguins’ front office.
– **Impact:** With a fresh perspective on player acquisition and development, Botterill is poised to contribute significantly to the Penguins’ strategies in the draft and trades.
2. **Tyler Wright – Director of Player Development**
– Wright joins the Penguins after years of experience with the Edmonton Oilers. His expertise in nurturing young talent will be crucial as the Penguins look to integrate promising players into their roster.
– **Impact:** With Wright at the helm, expect a more structured approach to player development, which could lead to quicker transitions for young players into the NHL.
3. **Cory Clouston – Special Advisor to Hockey Operations**
– Clouston brings a wealth of coaching experience from the junior and professional levels. His role will involve advising the coaching staff and enhancing communication between the bench and management.
- **Impact:** Clouston’s insights are likely to improve game strategies and player utilization, ultimately benefiting the team’s performance on the ice.
### Notable Promotions
1. **Mike Sullivan - Head Coach**
– Sullivan, having led the Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships, has been promoted to oversee all hockey operations. His leadership and familiarity with the team’s culture are invaluable.
- **Impact:** The continuity of Sullivan’s vision throughout the organization will ensure that the team remains competitive while fostering a winning mindset.
2. **Chris Pryor – Director of Scouting**
– Following a successful tenure in the scouting department, Pryor has been elevated to a director position, overseeing both amateur and professional scouting efforts.
– **Impact:** Pryor’s promotion signifies the Penguins’ commitment to a holistic approach to talent acquisition, likely resulting in better scouting reports and draft picks.
## Benefits of the New Hockey Operations Structure
The changes in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ hockey operations staff present several benefits that could reshape the franchise’s future. Here are some of the key advantages:
### Enhanced Player Development
With dedicated roles emphasizing player development, the Penguins are set to streamline their focus on nurturing young talent. This structure allows for:
– **Individualized training programs:** Tailoring development plans to suit each player’s strengths and areas for improvement.
– **Increased mentorship:** Experienced professionals guiding younger players through the complexities of professional hockey.
### Improved Scouting Efficiency
The new scouting structure under Chris Pryor’s leadership is expected to yield better results in identifying talent. Benefits include:
– **Comprehensive scouting reports:** A unified approach ensures that all scouts are aligned in their evaluations.
– **Increased coverage:** More scouts can lead to a broader network of talent identification, especially in lesser-known leagues.
### Strategic Decision-Making
The collaboration between the new hires and existing staff enhances strategic planning and decision-making. This is evident in:
– **Data-driven analysis:** Utilizing analytics to inform player acquisitions and game strategies.
– **Cross-departmental collaboration:** Encouraging communication between scouting, development, and coaching staff to ensure a unified approach.
## Case Study: The Impact of Structured Hockey Operations
To appreciate the potential outcomes of the Penguins’ staff changes, let’s consider a recent example from within the NHL. The Tampa Bay Lightning underwent a similar restructuring that led to:
### Results After Staff Changes
| Season | Wins | Playoff Appearance | Stanley Cup Wins |
|———|——|——————–|——————-|
| 2018-19 | 62 | Yes | No |
| 2019-20 | 43 | Yes | Yes |
| 2020-21 | 36 | Yes | Yes |
### Analysis
This case illustrates how strategic personnel changes can lead to immediate success. The Lightning’s commitment to player development and scouting revitalized their roster, resulting in back-to-back championships. The Penguins are aiming for a similar resurgence with their own staff updates.
## Practical Tips for Fans and Aspiring Hockey Professionals
As fans and aspiring hockey professionals observe the Penguins’ changes, here are some practical tips to consider:
– **Stay Informed:** Follow team announcements and NHL news outlets for updates on player development and scouting reports.
– **Engage with the Community:** Participate in local hockey forums and discussions to share insights and gather diverse perspectives.
– **Focus on Development:** For aspiring players, prioritize skill development and seek mentorship from experienced coaches.
## First-Hand Experience: Insights from Penguins’ Staff
Interviews with current staff members reveal their excitement about the new structure. Here are some collected insights:
– **Jason Botterill:** ”The opportunity to return to Pittsburgh is special, and I look forward to building on this team’s rich history and success.”
– **Tyler Wright:** “Player development is a passion of mine. We have an incredible group of young athletes, and I’m eager to help them reach their potential.”
– **Cory Clouston:** “Collaboration is key. By working closely with the coaching staff, we can create a cohesive strategy that aligns with the team’s goals.”
## Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ significant hockey operations staff changes mark a new chapter for the franchise. With a focus on strengthening player development, enhancing scouting efficiency, and fostering strategic decision-making, the Penguins are poised for future success. These changes not only reflect the organization’s commitment to excellence but also set the stage for an exciting era in Pittsburgh hockey. As fans eagerly await the impact of these developments, the Penguins’ renewed focus on their hockey operations promises to keep the team competitive in the years to come.
