WBS NOTEBOOK: SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

Training camp doesn’t officially open until Sunday, but several Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins players and hopefuls (as well as one alumni member) hit the ice at the Toyota Sportsplex for an impromptu practice on Friday morning.

About a dozen skaters took part in the informal session, including Ryan Haggerty, Jarrett Burton, Pat McGrath and Reid Gardiner.

The 28 players on the Penguins training camp roster will report to the rink tomorrow (Saturday) for physicals, before the first official on-ice session takes place on Sunday morning.

As in past years, all practice sessions held at the Toyota Sportsplex are free and open to the public.

THE MAYOR IS IN TOWN

Former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins defenseman (an all around good dude) Ryan Lannon made an appearance at the rink on Friday as well, loosening up his legs with some of the current players.

A solid, stay-at-home defenseman, Lannon spent three seasons (2005-08) suiting up on the Penguins blue line, recording 42 points (5+37) in 217 games with the club.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ eighth round choice in 2002, Lannon has also played in AHL games with the Worcester Sharks, San Antonio Rampage, Houston Aeros and Lake Erie Monsters.  He has also played overseas in Finland and Austria.

Lannon, who attended high school with current Penguins assistant coach J.D. Forrest, won’t be participating in camp with the Pens, but expect some news from the man known as the ‘Mayor of Cape Cod’ in the near future.

MEANWHILE, IN OHIO…

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their exhibition slate on Friday night, when they travel to Columbus for a 7:00pm contest.

The Penguins roster for Friday’s battle with the Blue Jackets:

Friday night’s game can be heard online at http://bit.ly/1059X