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Whenever the Pittsburgh Penguins organization holds a camp or training session, one name is sure to be on the list.

Christian Hilbrich.

The rookie forward out of Cornell University attended Pittsburgh’s development camp in late June, played in the rookie tournament in mid-September and attended NHL camp last week. In between, Hilbrich spent time in Pittsburgh working out with other players.

Now, the 6-foot-7 forward will add to his attendance record when he joins 19 other players for the start of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s training camp at the Toyota Sportsplex on Saturday.

“I dipped my feet in every camp the organization has,” Hilbrich said. “It’s helped with my confidence, especially being a part of the NHL training camp. I’m going to be much more confident and ready to push for a spot on the team at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s camp.”

While more cuts have yet to be made by Pittsburgh, those players attending the start of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s training camp are a mix of familiar faces and young players just beginning their pro careers. Tom Kostopoulos, Shavertown native Patrick McGrath and defensman Barry Goers top the list of familiar faces. Forwards Jarrett Burton, Derek Army appeared in games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last year, while Cody Wydo and defenseman Brett Stern attended last year’s training camp.

In net, ECHL regulars Doug Carr and Adam Morrison will man the net while Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry remain in Pittsburgh. With Jarry auditioning to serve as Pittsburgh’s backup while Matt Murray is sidelined, DeSmith, who is on an AHL deal, figures to return to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and compete with Morrison and Carr for the two goaltending spots.

Training camp opens Saturday at the Toyota Sportsplex. Players hit the ice at 10:30 a.m. and the practice is open to the public.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins training camp roster:

Forwards (11) – Derek Army, Miloš Bubela, Jarrett Burton, Reid Gardiner, Christian Hilbrich, Tom Kostopoulos, Patrick McGrath, Garrett Meurs, Gage Quinney, Nick Sorkin, and Cody Wydo.

Defensemen (7) – Danny Fick, Barry Goers, Dan Milan, Kevin Schulze, Ryan Segalla, Brett Stern and Michael Webster.

Goaltenders (2) – Doug Carr and Adam Morrison.

Tom Kostopoulos will return for his 18th pro season when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins open training camp on Saturday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Kostopoulos.jpg.optimal.jpgTom Kostopoulos will return for his 18th pro season when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins open training camp on Saturday. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

By Tom Venesky

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Reach Tom Venesky at 570-991-6395 or on Twitter @TLTomVenesky