On Jan. 25, the Pittsburgh Penguins sent defenseman Owen Pickering down to the AHL to play with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
A week later, the AHL announced that Pickering, who has one goal in 16 games, would represent the WBS Penguins at the league’s All-Star Classic on Feb 2 and 3 at Palm Desert, CA.
This marks the first time in his career that Pickering is an All-Star. He was named to the WHL’s post-season First All-Star Teams in 2023 and 2024.
For the last two seasons, the 21-year-old defenseman was captain of the Shift Current Broncos, scoring 91 points in 120 games while getting an eight-game audition with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2022-23.
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He didn’t skate in the AHL last year but made his NHL debut On Nov. 16 against the San Jose Sharks, picking up an assist. Pickering scored his first NHL goal several weeks later, on Dec. 3 against the Florida Panthers.
Interestingly, Pickering tallied his only AHL goal in his final game before his NHL debut against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Nov. 13. In 24 career AHL games, he’s got a single point, the goal against the Phantoms.
As for the Penguins’ players at the AHL All-Star Classic, Pickering will join Emil Bemström, who leads Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in goals (19) and points (41). Both players are making their first appearances at the annual event.
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