Chirps from Center Ice

I just realized that I have not blogged any non-gameday content on the blog in several weeks. I apologize about that, the fodder that is out there is really scarce. I have, however, found enough to offer the following:

–> We are in November Movember, and that means that hockey players all across the country will be growing out mustaches to raise awareness for prostate cancer. Our own Joey Mormina will be growing one out this month. Here are all the details on the Penguins website.

–> Jonathan had some content this week including the returns of both Robert Bortuzzo and Jayson Megna, who are with the team this weekend for the games in Manchester and Bridgeport.

–> Speaking of Manchester, if you have a satellite radio, you can listen to the game on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (Sirius, 207, XM 92)

–> Speaking of Bridgeport, Sound Tigers beat writer Mike Fornabaio broke the news that the Sound Tigers game on Sunday vs. the Penguins will be free admission to the public. Superstorm Sandy really did a number all up and down the Atlantic Coast, so this is a genuinely nice gesture by the Sound Tigers to allow free admission.

Elsewhere…

–> No suspension for Trevor Smith from Sunday’s game misconduct for checking from behind. I would have fell out of my chair if the AHL even thought of suspending him. No link here because it hasn’t happened, and won’t.

–> The Oklahoma City Barons have a superteam. Former #1 NHL draft pick Taylor Hall signed an AHL contract with the Barons today.

–> Ex-Penguin Bryan Lerg named captain of the Lake Erie Monsters.

–> Ex Penguin Ryan Schnell assigned to the Colorado Eagles of the ECHL by the AHL St. John’s IceCaps. Schnell has not appeared in a single game for the IceCaps yet this season.

–> Here’s something which I find a shame. Locked out by his NHL team and unable to sign an AHL contact, NHLer Brandon Dubinsky signed an ECHL contact with the Alaska Aces and was recently named ECHL Player of the Week. Dubinsky is an Alaska native. I get wanting to keep your legs and staying sharp hockey-wise but, you can’t sign a contract an play overseas? You are going to sign with a “AA” league and cherry-pick on those developing their skills to get to where you are someday? What a shame. Dubinsky should be embarrassed to even accept the award and shame on the ECHL and the Alaska Aces for even allowing him to be named. Being player of the week in the ECHL isn’t going to rank high on Dubinsky’s resume in my opinion. Give the award to someone who will still be in the ECHL once the NHL lockout ends.

End rant. Gameday for tomorrow’s game in Manchester will be up on the blog Friday at 3 p.m.