The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins announced that they have signed forward Patrick McGrath to an American Hockey League contract for the 2016-17 season.
A native of Shavertown, Pa., McGrath became the first local hockey player to join the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins when he signed a professional tryout agreement with the team on December 26, 2014. He made his AHL debut the next night against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Last season, McGrath appeared in 19 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and was given the team’s Fan Favorite Award on Apr. 16, 2016. He earned his first and only point in the AHL with an assist on Mar. 13, 2016 at Bridgeport.
McGrath, 23, is entering his fourth season in professional hockey having played in 21 career AHL games and 137 contests with the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL). In his time with Wheeling, McGrath put up 14 points (6G-8A) and 532 penalty minutes. He ranks sixth in penalty minutes in Wheeling franchise history.
