Pittsburgh recalls Minard from WBS

wbs_200.jpgThe 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 leads the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins with 28 goals and ranks second with 43 points (28 goals, 15 assists) in 34 games this season. He was a starter for the Canadian All-Star team at the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic on Jan. 26.

The 6-1, 190-pound forward played six games during his last stint with Pittsburgh, scoring his first goal of the season Jan. 18 versus the New York Rangers. Minard has played 13 games over three stints with the Penguins this season.

The 27-year old played 15 games with Pittsburgh in 2007-08, registering two points, his first goal and assist in the NHL. He has collected three points (two goals, one assist) in 28 career games in the NHL. Minard scored 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.