Penguins Ink Forward Joe Vitale

[Thrillhouse]

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Joe Vitale to a two-year contract extension, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

Vitale, originally selected by Pittsburgh in the seventh round (195th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, is in the midst of his first full year with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In 41 games this season for WBS, Vitale has four goals and 19 points. His 19 points lead all WBS rookies.

Vitale, 24, joined WBS at the tail end of last season. He posted four points (2G-2A) in the team’s final five regular-season games, and saw action in all 12 postseason games.

Vitale (5-11, 205 pounds) played four collegiate seasons at Northeastern University of Hockey East. In 143 career games, Vitale totaled 34 goals, 60 assists and 94 points. The St. Louis, Missouri native set career highs in goals (12), assists (23) and points (35) during his junior season in 2007-08. Vitale was named Hockey East’s Best Defensive Forward following his senior campaign.

[thepolishkid88]

LOVE THIS KID! Him and Moon are future guys that could be spark and glue guys. I just hope he is getting the proper amount of minutes in WBS. Great news on the extension.

[cowboy]

I have way higher hopes for Vitale. I think he could be on the pens as soon as next year.

[thepolishkid88]

Originally Posted by cowboy

I have way higher hopes for Vitale. I think he could be on the pens as soon as next year.

To me he could replace Talbot, he is that kind of guy. Energetic, very hard working, and would do anything for the team before himself. Seeing as how Talbot has regressed since the shoulder operation I tihnk you could be right with him being up here next year.