PENGUINS SIGN DEFENSEMAN BRETT STERN TO PTO

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins announced today that they have signed defenseman Brett Stern to a professional tryout agreement. Stern comes to the Penguins from the team’s ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers.

Stern made his AHL debut earlier this season as a member of the Penguins on Monday, Jan. 16 at Syracuse, and went on to appear in four games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton throughout the month of January. He recorded no points in those games and was released from his PTO on Feb. 1 with an even plus-minus rating.

Stern has played in 42 of Wheeling’s games this season, posting six goals and 15 assists for 21 points, as well as a plus-six rating. On Dec. 31, 2016 and Jan. 6, 2017, the Lino Lakes, Minn. native recorded the first back-to-back multi-point games of his career by earning two assists on both nights.

Last year, Stern finished the season with seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points, the second-highest total among Wheeling defensemen.

Before turning pro, Stern spent four years at Minnesota State University and captained the Mavericks in his senior season. Three of those four years were played alongside current Penguins forward Teddy Blueger.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s next game is tonight, Saturday, Feb. 18, when they take on the Springfield Thunderbirds. Puck drop between the Penguins and Devils is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s next home game isn’t until Wednesday, Mar. 8, and its opponent will be the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Individual game tickets for Mar. 8’s game and all Penguins home games are available at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza box office, online at TicketMaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

Penguins ticket packages, including 12-game, and 10-voucher flex packs, are available directly through the Penguins offices by calling (570) 208-7367.