Native Sons in the NHL

“This is unreal.  I still have to pinch myself,  I can’t believe I am on MY team.”
RYAN MALONE, the first Pittsburgh native to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins

This is a list of players from the Pittsburgh-area that have played in at least one NHL game.

A total of 22 players from Pittsburgh area have made it to the NHL and there are a handful of players that have been drafted by NHL teams. Ryan Malone was the first Pittsburgh-born player to play with the Penguins. On November 19, 2005, Philadelphia Flyers player and Plum native, RJ Umberger and Malone played in a game in Pittsburgh – the first time two natives met on Mellon Arena ice. The two had 13 head-to-head matches on the “home” ice, including three games in the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals.

FAST FACTS

Before 1984 the arrival of Mario Lemiuex Pittsburgh had 18 sheets of ice for organized hockey. Today there are over 50.

On October 24, 1972 Pittsburgh native Gerry O’Flaherty became the first local to play against the Penguins.

Pittsburgh native Jamie Adams was the first person to play professional hockey for his hometown team when he skated for the the Pittsburgh Phantoms in 1994.

Ryan Malone was the first Pittsburgher to play for the Penguins (2003). AT LEFT: Diana & Greg Malone with two-week old Ryan.

Philadelphia Flyers player and Plum native, RJ Umberger and Ryan Malone squared off on Mellon Arena in an NHL game on November 19, 2005. The two native sons played 13 games on “home’ ice.

Bill Thomas signed with the Pens in July 2008 and scored his first goal with Pittsburgh on February 11, 2009 against the San Jose Sharks.

Nate Guenin played his first game for the Penguins on November 16, 2009.

On January 16, 2009, Anaheim Ducks’ George Parros and Pittsburgh’s Bill Thomas became the second set of Pittsburgh’s area natives to pair off on Mellon Arena ice. The first native son duo to play on “home” ice were Ryan Malone and R.J. Umberger.

Matt Bartkowski made his NHL debut against the Penguins on January 11, 2011.

 

 

Here is a list of Pittsburgh players in the order of their NHL debuts:

Peter Babando

Born: May 10, 1925 (Braeburn, PA – Westmoreland County) Began career as a defenseman with the Hershey Bears in 1946 NHL Debut: October 19, 1947 with Boston Bruins First game against Pittsburgh: Played the Hornets at Duquesne Garden on November 15, 1946.

Switched position to left wing after leaving Hershey. Scored his first NHL goal in his second game, on October 22, 1947, against the Montreal Canadiens. Babando finished his rookie season with 23 goals and finished second in Calder Trophy (rookie of the year) contest.Babando was traded to the Detroit Red Wings on August 16, 1949 and was teammates with Sid Abel (Pittsburgh Hornets 1938-39), Red Kelly (Pittsburgh Penguins coach July 1969 through January 1973), Gordie Howe, and Ted Lindsay. Also played alongside Jack Stewart (played with Hornets from 1937-39) and Johnny Wilson (Penguins coach from June 1973 through May of 1980).Babando scored the championship-clinching goal in double overtime of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final in 1950. Played on four of the original six teams in six years in the NHL and played in the minor leagues for four different teams until he reitred at the end of the 1966-67 season.

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Gerry O’Flaherty

Born: August 31, 1950 (Pittsburgh) Drafted: 1970 – 3rd round, Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Debut: December 25, 1971 with Toronto v. Detroit First game against Pittsburgh: October 24, 1972 / Pittsburgh at Vancouver

Born in Pittsburgh, where his father John “Peanuts” O’Flaherty captained the Pittsburgh Hornets. O’Flaherty later moved to Toronto and played in the MTHL with the North York Rangers. He played junior with the OHA’s Kitchener Rangers and was drafted 36th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs after scoring 40 goals in 1969-70. On Christmas day in 1971 he made his NHL Debut with Toronto in and played two games with the Maple Leafs. He was left unprotected by Toronto in the intra-league draft in 1972 and was claimed by the Vancouver Canucks on the recommendation of his father, who was a scout for the club.Left-winger Gerry O’Flaherty had a reputation for being a solid two-way player. O’Flaherty played 438 games in the 1970s. He recorded three 20-goal seasons and was considered an above-average faceoff man. In September 1976, O’Flaherty was picked to represent the United States at the inaugural Canada Cup. After leaving Vancouver, he played one more NHL game with the Atlanta Flames in 1978-79, but spent the rest of that season in the minors before retiring.

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Ryan Malone

Born: December 1, 1979 (Peters, PA) Drafted: 1999 – 4th round, Pittsburgh Penguins on June 26 NHL Debut: October 10, 2003 with Pittsburgh v. Los Angeles First game against Pittsburgh: December 23, 2008 / Tampa at Pittsburgh

Made his NHL debut with the Penguins 2003-04. The fourth round, 115th overall selection of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Malone, the son of former Penguins center Greg, is a graduate of St. Cloud State University. Prior to attending St. Cloud State, Malone played high school hockey locally at Upper St. Clair High School and then went on to play at Shattuck St. Mary’s in Minnesota and finally Omaha of the USHL. In his four years at St. Cloud State, Malone recorded 140 points (56-84-140) before joining the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins following his Senior year in 2002-03.In 2003-04, the Pittsburgh, PA native made his NHL debut and was the teams most impressive and consistent player throughout the year. Named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team, Malone finished the season with 43 points (22-21-43), good enough for third on the Penguins and fourth among league freshmen. Following the Penguins season, Malone was named to the United States 2004 World Championship team, and was instrumental in leading the U.S. to a bronze medal.In June 2008, Malone’s rights were traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He later signed a seven-year, $31.5 milion contract with the Lighnting. On January 1, 2010 Malone was selected to play for the 2010 U.S. Olympic hockey team and on February 16, 2010 Malone became the first Pittsburgh native to score a goal in the Olympics. Malone finished the tournament with three goals and two assists. Image: Malone with St. Cloud State

George Parros

Born: December 29, 1979 (Washington, PA) Drafted: 1999 – 8th round, Los Angeles Kings NHL Debut: December 21, 2005 with Los Angeles v. Calgary First game against Pittsburgh: (January 16, 2009)

Made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings in 2005-06 and played with the Colorado Avalanche for two games. The eighth round, 222nd overall selection of the Los Angeles Kings in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Parros is a graduate of the ECAC’s Princeton Tigers. A towering forward, Parros spent four years at Princeton before making his professional debut with the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs in the spring of 2003. After two more years of seasoning in the ECHL and AHL, Parros made his NHL debut with Los Angeles during the 2005-06 season.In November of 2006, Parros was acquired by the Anaheim Ducks and was a member of the Ducks 2007 Stanley Cup Championship Team.On January 16, 2008, Parros and Pittsburgh’s Bill Thomas became the second set of Pittsburgh’s area natives to pair off on Mellon Arena ice. The first native son duo to play on “home” ice were Ryan Malone and R.J. Umberger.Parros signed a free agent contract with the Florida Panthers on July 1, 2012. Parros is now a member of the Montreal Canadiens.

Bill Thomas

Born: June 23, 1983 (Fox Chapel, PA) Drafted: undrafted NHL Debut: April 1, 2006 with Phoenix v. San Jose First game with/against Pittsburgh: Played his first game with the Penguins on October 5, 2008. Played his first game against the Penguins on November 22, 2010 as a member of the Florida Panthers.

A free-agent signing of the Phoenix Coyotes, Thomas is a graduate of the USHL’s Tri-City Storm and went on to play two seasons of collegiate hockey with the University of Nebraska-Omaha (2004-2006). A skilled forward, Thomas registered 95 points (46-49-95) in two seasons at Nebraska-Omaha before opting to forego his junior and senior years and sign as a free-agent with Phoenix following his sophomore year.Once his sophomore season came to a close in 2005-06, Thomas immediately joined the Coyotes and suited for nine games registering three points (1-2-3). Thomas signed with the Penguins as a free agent in July 2008 and scored his first goal for the Pens on February 11, 2009 against the San Jose Sharks. Signed with Florida Panthers, August 2010. Image: Thomas with Cleveland Barons Jr.

Nate Guenin

Born: December 10, 1982 Drafted: 2002 – 4th round, New York Rangers NHL Debut: January 18, 2007 with Philadelphia v. NY Islanders First game against Pittsburgh: Never played against the Penguins, made his debut with the Pens on November 16, 2009 (Anahiem)

Made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2006-07, playing in 65 games. The New York Rangers fourth round, 127th overall choice in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Guenin is a graduate of the CCHA’s Ohio State University Buckeyes. A rugged defenceman, Guenin spent four seasons at Ohio State serving as the club’s captain for the 2004-05 season. Despite being drafted by the Rangers, the free agent signed his first pro contract with the Flyers and shortly after suited up with their AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms. That season, he made his NHL and Flyer debut in a January 18th, 2007 game against the New York Islanders.Guenin was signed by the Penguins as an unrestricted free agent on July 3, 2009. On November 16, 2009, Guenin and George Parros became the third set of Pittsburgh’s area natives to pair off on Mellon Arena ice. The first native son duo to play on “home” ice were Ryan Malone and R.J. Umberger. Parros and Pittsburgh’s Bill Thomas were the second set. Guenin was traded to St. Louis for defenseman Steve Wagner on February 11, 2010. Guenin played three games with Columbus in 2010-11 and 15 games with the Anaheim Ducks in 2011-12.Guenin is currently with the Colorado Avalanche.

John Zieler

Born: November 21, 1982 Drafted: 2002 – 5th round, Phoenix Coyotes NHL Debut: February 17, 2007 with Phoenix v. Anaheim First game against Pittsburgh: (Never played against the Penguins)

Selected 132nd overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, Zeiler is a graduate of the St. Lawrence University Saints. A strong player at both ends of the rink, Zeiler’s strong performance with the Sioux-City Musketeers of the USHL transited into a four-year stint with the St. Lawrence University Saints. In his first with the University, he was named to the ECAC All Rookie Team after tallying 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists).Zeiler made his professional hockey debut with the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, in March 2006.Following a brief stint in San Antonio, Zeiler was signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Los Angeles Kings in the summer of 2006. Returning to the AHL, Zeiler tallied 28 goals in 56 games for the Kings’ AHL affiliate in Manchester. His offensive contributions in Manchester earned him a roster spot in the final 23 regular season games left on the L.A. Kings 2006-07 schedule.Image: Zieler with Pittsburgh Hornets Midgets.

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Mike Weber

Born: December 16, 1987 (Pittsburgh, PA) Drafted: 2006 – 2nd round, Phoenix Coyotes NHL Debut: October 26, 2007 with Buffalo Sabres First game against Pittsburgh: At the Mellon Arena, on March 12, 2008

The 6’2″ 199-pound defenseman played Junior with the Windsor Spitfires and Barrie Colts in OHL and played 16 games his rookie year with Buffalo and registered his first NHL assist against the Penguins on March 12, 2008.Finished his four-year OHL career with 70 points (13+57) and 534 PIM in 261 games with career highs in goals (6), assists (28) and points (34) along with 172 PIM in 60 combined games with Windsor and Barrie. Contributed six points (0+6) in seven post-season games.Described as a ‘physical, defensive defenseman’ by the Buffalo Sabres management and is currently in the Buffalo Sabres system with the Rochester Americans.

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Grant Lewis

Born: January 20, 1985 (Pittsburgh, PA) Drafted: 2004 – 2nd round, Atlanta Thrashers NHL Debut: March 3, 2009 with Atlanta First game against Pittsburgh: has never played against Pittsburgh.

Lewis recorded 15 points (one goal, 14 assists) and 30 penalty minutes in 24 games with Dartmouth College (ECAC). The 6-3, 205-pound defenseman shared first among ECAC defensemen in assists and was tied for sixth in points. Lewis tallied 77 points (13 goals, 64 assists) and 172 penalty minutes in 120 career games with Dartmouth. He was named to the ECAC First All-Star Team and ECAC All-Rookie Team during his freshman year in 2004. He was also selected to the ECAC Second All-Star Team in 2006. Prior to his time at Dartmouth, Lewis spent one season of junior hockey with the Pittsburgh Forge (NAHL), tallying nine points (two goals, seven assists) and 59 penalty minutes in 50 games.Image: Lewis with Pittsburgh Forge.

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Christian Hanson

Born: March 10, 1986 (Venetia, PA) Drafted: Undrafted, Signed by Toronto Maple Leafs on March 31, 2009 NHL Debut: April 3, 2009 First game against Pittsburgh: Played his first game against the Penguins on March 28, 2010, when the Maple Leafs visited the Mellon Arena for the last time. Hanson saw 9:38 of ice time and picked up a minor penalty for delay of game.

Hanson, a center, registered 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) with 28 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating in 37 games with Notre Dame in the CCHA. His college career started slowly, with 11 points his first two seasons, but this season he was third on the team with 31 points and tied for second with 16 goals.His father, Dave, gained more fame as one of the Hanson Brothers in the classic move Slap Shot. But Dave Hanson also had a pro hockey career that spanned 10 seasons (1974-84), and included some time in the NHL and the WHA, in which he amassed 562 penalty minutes in 136 major-league games. Christian Hanson, comparatively, never recorded more than 57 penalty minutes in any of his six junior or collegiate seasons. Hanson scored his first NHL goal against New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur on April 7, 2009.

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Dylan Reese

Born: August 29, 1984 (Upper St. Clair, PA) Drafted: 2003 – 7th round, New York Rangers NHL Debut: March 4, 2010 v. Atlanta First game against/with Pittsburgh: Had 12:42 ice time in the Mellon Arena’s regular season finale when the Islanders visited on April 8, 2010. Recalled by Penguins on February 6, 2013 Played his first game, the next night against Washington.

Reese, a defenseman, played for the Pittsburgh Hornets (MWEHL) before joining the Pittsburgh Forge (NAHL) in 2001.  Reese helped the Forge set a National Junior A record with 43 wins and win the Robertson Cup, the NAHL’s championship, in 2002-03.In 2003, Reese was selected NAHL’s first All-Star Team and was named the NAHL Defenseman of the Year.Before turning pro, Reese played three seasons at Harvard University (2003-2007) where he was twice named to the ECAC second all-star team and was as an All-Academic honoree. He spent part of five seasons in the AHL with the Hartford Wolfpack, San Antonio Rampage, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and started the 2009-10 campaign with the Syracuse Crunch, where he registered 22 points (4G+18A) in 51 games.Reese signed as a free agent with Columbus Blue Jackets in September 29, 2009 and was traded to the New York Islanders on March 1, 2010. Scored the first goal of his NHL career on March 16, 2010 against the Vancouver Canucks. Reese signed a free agent contract with the Penguins on July 1, 2012, but left for the KHL in the summer of 2013. Image: Reese with Pittsburgh Forge.

Matt Bartkowski

Born: June 4, 1988 (Mt. Lebanon, PA) Drafted: 2008 – 7th round, 190th overall by Florida Panthers NHL Debut: January 10, 2011 v. Pittsburgh First game against Pittsburgh: Played 9:53 on Janaury 10, 2011. Joined Ryan Malone as the only other Pittsburgh native to make debut in hometown.

Bartkowski, a defenseman played high school hockey at Mt. Lebanon and helped the Blue Devils win the Penguins Cup in 2006.He played for the Lincoln Stars (USHL) for two years before heading to Ohio State University for two seasons. On March 3, 2010, the Panthers traded Bartkowski, along with Dennis Seidenberg, to the Boston Bruins for Byron Bitz, Craig Weller, and a 2nd round 2010 NHL Entry Draft choice. On April 29, 2010, Bartkowski signed to a two-year contract with the Boston Bruins. Although his name wasn’t engraved on the Stanley Cup when the Bruins won in 2011, he earned a Stanley Cup ring. Bartkowsk’s Bruins played against Chicago’s Brandon Saad in the 2013 Stanley Cup Final. Saad is also a native son.

Brandon Saad

Born: October 27, 1992 (Pittsburgh, PA) Drafted: 2011 – 2nd round, 43rd overall by Chicago Blackhawks NHL Debut: October 7, 2011 vs. Dallas Stars First game against Pittsburgh: Registered one assist and played 17:52 against the Pens at Stadium Series at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Saad, from Gibsonia, was named the NAHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2009 and played in 63 games with the U.S. National Team recording 58 points (29G+29A).  In 2010-11, the left wing had 27 goals in his first season with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL and a year later was called up for two games with the Chicago Blackhawks in the regular season and played for Chicago twice in the post season. Saad started the lockout 2012-13 season with Chicago’s AHL Rockford IceHogs and was on the Blackhawks opening day roster. Saad scored his first NHL goal on February 5, 2013 against the San Jose Sharks.  Saad was named as a finalist for the NHL rookie of the year award (Calder Trophy) on May 6, 2013. Saad is squaring off against Boston’s Matt Bartkowski in the 2013 Stanley Cup Final. Bartkowski is also a native son.  Saad scored a goal in the Final on June 12, 2013. Saad hoisted the Stanley Cup on June 24, 2013 when Chicago beat Boston, 3-2, in Game 6.Saad started in his first game in Pittsburghon March 30, 2014.

J.T. Miller

Born: March 14, 1993 (East Palestine, OH) Drafted: 2011 – 1st round, 15th overall by New York Rangers NHL Debut: February 5, 2013 vs. New Jersey Devils First game against Pittsburgh: March 16 at the CONSOL Energy Center.

Miller, a wing and center, is the highest drafted player from the Western Pennsylvania-area to be drafted.  Miller has had an excellent start to the 2012-13 season with the Connecticut Whale scoring eight goals and registering 12 assists. Miller, at 19, was the youngest participant in the 2013 AHL All-Star game. Miller helped the United States win the gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championships.Miller scored his first NHL goal on February 6, 2013.

Patrick Wey

Born: March 21, 1991 (Pittsburgh, PA) Drafted: 2009 – 4th round, 115th overall by Washington Capitals NHL Debut: December 7, 2013 vs. Nashville First game against Pittsburgh: has never played against Pittsburgh

Wey is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman recently completed his senior season at Boston College, recording career highs in points (13), assists (12), games played (37, tied) and penalty minutes (54) and registered a plus-14 rating.Wey helped Boston College to a 22-12-4 record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. He was named a 2013 second-team Hockey East all-star and named Hockey East’s 2013 Best Defensive Defenseman.In 133 career games with Boston College, Wey collected 33 points (four goals, 29 assists) and 147 penalty minutes. He helped Boston College win the NCAA championship in 2011-12 and tallied one goal and three assists in four tournament games.Wey is a Mt. Lebanon native.

Vincent Trocheck

Born: July 11, 1993 (Pittsburgh, PA) Drafted: 2011 3rd round, 64th overall by Florida Panthers NHL Debut: March 7, 2014 vs. Buffalo First game against Pittsburgh: On December 20, 2014, scored a goal in debut.

Center Vince Trocheck played three-and-a-half seasons with the Saginaw Spirit before joining the Plymouth Whalers in the Ontario Hockey League in 2012-13,  Trocheck earned the scoring title and league MVP.Trocheck was called up by the Florida Panthers on March 5, 2014 to replace center Marcel Goc, who was acquired by the Penguins at the trade deadline.Trocheck played his first game on March 7, 2014, against the Buffalo Sabres. He becomes the last of the four Pittsburgh players drafted in 2011 that have reached the NHL.Brandon Saad (Chicago), J.T. Miller (New York Rangers) and John Gibson (Anaheim) also have reached the NHL. “I’m extremely excited,” Trocheck said. “This has been a dream of mine since I was a kid.” Trocheck scored his first NHL goal into an empty net against the New Jersey Devils, on March 14, 2014.

John Gibson

Born: July 14, 1993 (Pittsburgh, PA) Drafted: 2011 2nd round, 39th overall by Anaheim Ducks NHL Debut: April 7, 2014 vs. Vancouver First game against Pittsburgh: October 9, 2014, lost 6-4.

A Pittsburgh Hornets alum, he is one of four former Hornets to be ranked by Central Scouting for the 2011 draft. He won gold at the 2010 World Under-17 Challenge, stealing the show in the gold medal game, stopping 38 of 39 shots with the only Ontario goal coming with one second left. Gibson was named player of the game in two of his three starts and finished the tournament with a 1.33 goals-against average and a 0.957 save percentage.Gibson made 18 saves and earned a shutout in his NHL debut. Gibson made 33 saves on 39 shots, but lost his first NHL game in his first appearance back in Pittsburgh. On December 6, 2015, Gibson stopped 23 of 24 shots from the Penguins to earn a win for the Anaheim Ducks. It was Gibson’s first win against his hometown team.

Henrik Samuelsson

Born: February 7, 1994 (Pittsburgh, PA) Drafted: 2012 1st round, 27th overall by Arizona Coyotes NHL Debut: April 9, 2015 vs. Vancouver First game against Pittsburgh: Hasn’t played against Penguins

Played major junior hockey for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League. On March 11, 2013, he was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Coyotes. Henrik is the son of former Penguins defenseman, Ulf Samuelson, and also the brother of Penguins defenseman Philip Samuelsson.

Stephen Johns

Born: April 18, 1992 (Ellwood City, PA) Drafted: 2010 2nd round, 60th overall by Chicago Blackhawks NHL Debut: March 11, 2016 vs. Chicago First game against Pittsburgh: December 1, 2016

In 55 games with Texas of the American Hockey League in 2015-16, he registered 24 points (4-20=24) and a +7 plus/minus rating. At the time of his recall on March 9, his 20 assists ranked third amongst team defenseman, while he shared fourth among all Texas skaters with 43 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound defenseman was acquired by Dallas via trade along with forward Patrick Sharp in exchange for defenseman Trevor Daley and forward Ryan Garbutt on July 10, 2015. Johns scored his first NHL goal on March 17, 2016 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Riley Barber

Born: February 7, 1994 (Washington, PA) Drafted: 2012 6th round, 167th overall by Washington Capitals NHL Debut: February 24, 2017 vs. Edmonton Oilers First game against Pittsburgh: December 10, 2019 (with Montreal)

Barber is a gifted right wing and scored 54 goals at the Miami (OH) University in three seasons.  In his first year at Miami he was selected for the 2012 Under-18 World Junior Championships.  The following year he was named to the 2013 United States World Junior team the won the gold medal.  The following season he was named captain of the team. Barber signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, Hershey Bears. Barber played in 74 games and scored 26 goals. Barber joined the Montreal Canadiens as an unrestricted free agent by signing a one-year, two-way contract in the summer of 2019.