MINARD RECALLED BY PITTSBURGH

WILKES-BARRE, PA –The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Chris Minard from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL), it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero.

Minard enters his third stint this season with Pittsburgh and appeared in five contests with the Penguins in December.  The 6-1, 190-pound forward leads the AHL with 26 goals and is tied for second with 41 points (26 goals, 15 assists).  Minard leads the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins in goals and points, while posting a plus-11 rating.  He has been named a starter for the Canadian All-Stars team at the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic on January 26.

The 27-year old played 15 games with Pittsburgh in 2007-08, registering two points, his first goal and assist in the NHL.  Minard collected 42 points (25 goals, 17 assists) along with 33 penalty minutes in 56 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season.  He also contributed 17 points (11 goals, six assists) and 10 penalty minutes in 23 playoff games, helping the WBS Penguins reach the Calder Cup Finals. 

The Owen Sound, Ontario native signed with the Penguins on July 17, 2007.