BISSONNETTE, THOMAS RECALLED BY PITTSBURGH

The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forwards Paul Bissonnette and Bill Thomas 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.

Bissonnette, 23, appeared in five games recording his first NHL point/assist, Jan. 13 against the Philadelphia Flyers during his previous stint with Pittsburgh.  He has played a total of 13 games over three stints with the Penguins this season.  He has registered 20 penalty minutes while posting a plus or even rating in 12 of 13 contests.  Bissonnette began the season with Pittsburgh, making his NHL debut on Oct. 4 against Ottawa at the NHL Premiere in Stockholm, Sweden.  Bissonnette leads Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with 108 penalty minutes, while recording six points (three goals, three assists) in 25 games this season.

Thomas, 25, played in three contests during his second stint with Pittsburgh.  He began the season with Pittsburgh appearing in two games.  Thomas registered two goals in a 4-1 victory over the Manchester Monarchs in his first game back with Wilkes-Barre Scranton during the NHL All-Star break.  He has played in 36 contests for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, registering 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) along with 22 penalty minutes and a plus-two rating.