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Last year, the Pittsburgh Penguins organization drafted a young right wing from Hanover Township, PA. This young forward's name is Kurt Kuklewicz. This forward was on many teams' draft boards, but the Penguins took a chance on this forward. Listed at 5'10" and 162 pounds, Kuklewicz lacked the ideal size of a NHL superstar. This caused his draft grade to drop until the 2nd round. However, scouts rated Kuklewicz as one of the top playmakers in the NHL entry class. Straight out of the Wyoming Valley Wildcats, in the DEL league, Kuklewicz showed poise and clear passing and puck control skills throughout his DEL career. He also showed that he can play defense as well.
OT Magic!- Right Wing Kurt Kuklewicz was pure cash when it came to making clutch plays in his DEL team, the Wyoming Valley Wildcats. He celebrates a goal (above), after setting up a beautiful overtime game winning goal on a pass to teammate Rocco Dimarco.June 22, 2008 - Kuklewicz signed a one-year 2-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins worth almost $1 mil. The 2-way contract made Kuklewicz eligible to play on the Pittsburgh Penguins and their AHL affliate, Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins.
October 4th, 2008 - Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins Head Coach, Dan Bylsma invited Kurt Kuklewicz into his office with some great news. He decided to put him on the 3rd line of the team the start of the season, and give him an opportunity to extend his play. Kuklewicz decided to wear the #14 jersey in honor of his lucky number.
October 8th, 2008 - Right Wing Kurt Kuklewicz stepped up onto the ice in a big way in his first ever AHL game. On his first shot of the game, Kuklewicz scored a beauty of a goal. He also tallied an assist to have a 2 point night against the hated rivals of the WBS Penguins, the Hershey Bears.
October 24th, 2009 - WBS Penguins Head Coach Dan Bylsma noticed Kurt Kuklewicz's playmaking abilities and hard, dedicated work. He called Kuklewicz into his office yet again with fantastic news. He would now be playing on the second line in Wilkes Barre. At this point, Kuklewicz led his team in goals, assists and points. If this continued, he would surely be playing with the Pittsburgh team in no time.
November 7th, 2008 - Kurt Kuklewicz already performing in a big way and looking like one intelligent draft pick, gave more reason to why he should start for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game against the Lowell Devils on this date, went into overtime at home. Kuklewicz was paired on a line with Wilkes Barre Scranton Forwards Paul Bissonnette and Mark Letestu, seeing ice time during the last few minutes of overtime. Kuklewicz rushed into the slot of the Devils with under a minute remaining and received a beautiful pass from Letestu. He fired it pass the goalie's glove side to give the WBS Penguins a much needed win.
Clutch - Kurt Kuklewicz scores the game winning goal against the Lowell Devils at home to improve the Baby Pens' winning record (above).
There will be more to come on Kuklewicz's performance.
