Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced several hirings and promotions within their hockey operations staff.

Jonathan Erlichman has been appointed Vice President of Hockey Research, Development & Strategy. Erlichman joins the Penguins after 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he most recently served as Vice President, Process and Analytics. He will lead the Penguins' research and development strategy, focusing on data analytics in player acquisition, development, and evaluation.

Kevin Elliott assumes the role of Head Athletic Trainer after three years with Hockey Canada as Manager of Medical Services. Elliott will oversee player health and wellness within a multidisciplinary team at Pittsburgh.

Lucas Malloy has been named Manager of Hockey Operations following five years with Fenway Sports Management. Malloy will assist the hockey operations staff with business-related projects and strategic initiatives.

The amateur scouting staff sees additions in Chris Roque, Brandon Dennis, and Brian Ihnacak. Roque has nearly 20 years of scouting experience, while Dennis has spent two seasons as Assistant Coach of the Youngstown Phantoms. Ihnacak joins from his role as a European Scout for the Mississauga Steelheads.

Jason Pietrzykowski and Chad Nehring join the professional scouting department. Pietrzykowski previously worked with the Edmonton Oilers organization for 15 years, while Nehring concluded a 12-year professional playing career across various leagues.

Karel Popper becomes Goaltender Coach for Wheeling Nailers after three seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Chicago Steel.

Promotions within the organization include Jason Spezza to Assistant General Manager & General Manager of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins; Amanda Kessel to Manager of Minor League Operations and Assistant General Manager; Kain Tisi to Goaltender Coach for WBS; and Mark Osiecki to Professional & NCAA Scout.

Erlichman holds a degree in Mathematics from Princeton University. Elliott brings extensive experience from roles at Charlottetown Islanders, Florida Panthers, and University of Prince Edward Island Panthers. Malloy was involved in significant acquisitions including a controlling interest in Pittsburgh Penguins.

Roque's past includes roles at Toronto Maple Leafs, Soo Greyhounds, and Kingston Frontenacs. Dennis previously worked at Chicago Steel (USHL) and USA Hockey. Ihnacak had a 17-year professional playing career spanning North America and Europe before joining Mississauga Steelheads.

Pietrzykowski's tenure at Edmonton Oilers included positions such as professional scout and assistant video coach. Nehring's career included time in ECHL, AHL, Germany’s DEL, Lake Superior State University where he earned a degree in Exercise Science.

Popper contributed to Chicago Steel's success in USHL playoffs all three seasons he was there. Spezza expands his role to manage all facets of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins' American Hockey League affiliate operations.

Kessel transitions from Special Assistant to General Manager in Pittsburgh to her new role assisting Spezza with matters involving WBS and overseeing ECHL affiliate Wheeling Nailers communication between Pittsburgh member clubs.

Tisi's promotion follows his tenure as Goaltending Development Coach for WBS goaltenders and prospects throughout the Penguins organization. Osiecki extends his responsibilities from scouting professional organizations to also include draft-eligible prospects and free agents in collegiate hockey after coaching stints at various levels including AHL, USHL, collegiate hockey.

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