Bortuzzo sgns with the Eastern Conference Champions

Press Release

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Robert Bortuzzo to a three-year entry-level contract through 2012, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero.

Bortuzzo, 20, appeared in 23 games during his third season with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He collected 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) along with 24 penalty minutes this season after missing the start of the season with a shoulder injury.

The 6-4, 207 pound, blue-liner finished third among defenseman in scoring with 18 points (three goals, 15 assists) for the Rangers during the 2007-08 season. Bortuzzo played in 52 contests with Kitchener, helping the Rangers win the Hamilton Spectator Trophy for the best overall record in the OHL last season. He contributed eight assists in 18 playoff games for Kitchener before falling to the Spokane Chiefs in the final game of the Memorial Cup.

The native of Thunder Bay, Ontario has recorded 49 points (six goals, 43 assists) over three seasons with Kitchener in the OHL. He appeared in 138 regular-season contests for the Rangers, collecting 152 penalty minutes. Bortuzzo played in 27 post-season games for Kitchener, registering 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) along with 22 penalty minutes.

Bortuzzo was selected by Pittsburgh in the third round (78th overall) of the 2007 Entry Draft.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)