Click here to subscribe today or Login.
PITTSBURGH — Brian Dumoulin feels fortunate to be playing in his second Stanley Cup finals in just his second full year in the NHL.
But he’s also appreciative for the place that gave him his start.
As Dumoulin and his Pittsburgh teammates hope to raise the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive year, he hasn’t forgotten about his roots in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
“I’m thankful for my time in Wilkes-Barre. If you’re going to be in the AHL, you use that time to get better. That was my approach,” Dumoulin said. “If it takes time, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Dumoulin spent all of 2012-13 with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and most of the following two seasons until playing in 79 games with Pittsburgh last season. He came to the AHL out of college, and credits his time with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and former coach John Hynes, for becoming a full-time NHL player.
“John Hynes really taught me how to play defense. In college I knew the offensive game, but coach Hynes in Wilkes-Barre really worked with me on defense,” Dumoulin said. “I don’t think I’d be here without my time in Wilkes-Barre.”
Neither do a handful of other Pittsburgh players, including the group of Conor Sheary, Scott Wilson, Bryan Rust, Tom Kuhnhackl and Matt Murray, all of whom wrapped up their first full season in the NHL.
When the group of players were recalled to Pittsburgh for good midway through the 2015-16 season, Sheary said they surprised a lot of people.
“We all came up from Wilkes-Barre and out of nowhere to the NHL,” he said. “That season I was just wishing for a chance to crack the lineup, and to end up with the Stanley Cup was crazy. Now I have a chance to do the same thing. I’m fortunate.”
Rust, who scored 15 goals in 57 games during his first full season with Pittsburgh, said his time in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton taught him the importance of consistency.
“That’s the key. In order to be a great player on a great team, you have to bring it day in and day out,” Rust said. “That’s what I learned during my time with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.”
The coaching staff and players in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton often mention the group that was called up to Pittsburgh in 2015-16 and became full-time NHL players as blazing a trail they hope to follow.
Murray, who spent all of 2014-15 and part of the following season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton was surprised to hear he’s become a player that others look up to.
“That’s very humbling,” Murray said, crediting his time in the AHL for his current success. “This organization, from Pittsburgh down to Wheeling and especially in Wilkes-Barre, they give you all the tools you need to succeed. I’m very thankful for my time in Wilkes-Barre. It has a special place in my heart.”
Still, playing in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton gave the players more than just a place to hone their skills. With the Penguins in the AHL, the experience taught them all something that serves as a benefit on a Pittsburgh team vying for its second straight Stanley Cup.
It taught them how to win.
“My first year with Wilkes-Barre we went to the conference final and made it to the second round the next year. You can draw a lot from that experience,” Sheary said. “It’s hard to step back and realize this isn’t going to happen every year. We’re a fortunate group.”
For other sports stories, click here.
