compiled by Penguins staff | AHL On The Beat
Teddy Blueger is currently in his third season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and with every passing year, he has assumed a bigger and more important role with the team.
In addition to being a face-off specialist, shut-down centerman and the first penalty killer over the boards whenever his team goes down a man, he now closes out this past weekend leading the team in goals (16) and points (28).
Instead of asking Blueger about his success this season, we turned to his teammates to discuss what makes him such an impact player and invaluable piece to the team. In their own words, this is what the rest of the Penguins had to say about their friend and teammate:
Garrett Wilson – “I think he learned a lot from [Tom Kostopoulos] in his first few years as a pro and picked up a lot of things from him. He comes to the rink to work every day, and he’s one of the first guys and last guys off the ice so he definitely works hard. It’s nice to see him getting some success here. Hopefully, I can keep playing with him on his line.”
Tristan Jarry – “He’s such a hard player to play against. He’s got a good shot and works hard. It’s constant with him, just always working so hard.”
Ethan Prow – “The guy works so hard. I know it’s cliche, but he’s one of the first guys on for practice and the last guy off. He pays attention to detail. If it’s a battle drill in practice, he’s doing extra battling, or at home it’s his diet, the way he eats, everything like that. He’s setting himself up for success.”
Kevin Czuczman – “Teddy is someone we all look up to with his work ethic and the way he does the little things right. He has good details in his game. It’s only his third year in the league – a lot of the young guys look up to him, and he’s someone that I think a lot of guys could emulate parts of his game… He’s pretty much the ultimate teammate. He’s like a young Tom Kostopoulos in some ways.”
Sam Lafferty – “I think Teddy is a tremendous player and sets a great example both on and off the ice. He’s a guy you can look at as an example how he plays at both ends of the ice and just the attitude he brings and the work ethic he brings every day. He sets a great example for a young center like myself.”
Thomas Di Pauli – “He’s a fierce and intense player, competes every time he steps out there. I learn a lot from him. Maybe he learns a bit from me, too, but it’s always an honor to kill (penalties) with him and often be his linemate.”
Tim Erixon – “He’s tough if you’re playing against him. He’s very detailed. Works hard — two-way guy. He’s solid on both ends. I don’t think he has a lot of weaknesses… He’s competitive, which is really good. Even if it’s a little small drill in practice, he gets fired up. That’s his personality, and that’s what makes him so good come game time.”
Pat McGrath – “He has a great work ethic. Good hockey sense and a good teammate. He’ll cost the team money in broken sticks, maybe could use a couple classes in anger management.”
If you could describe Teddy Blueger in one word, what would it be?
Jarry – “Hard-working.”
Lafferty – “Competitor.”
McGrath – “Lunatic.”
