Story from the Philadelphia Flyers Website:The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have reassigned defenseman Luca Sbisa to the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League, according to club General Manager Paul Holmgren. “We feel that it is in the best interest of Luca and the Flyers organization that he gets back to playing on a regular basis,” said Holmgren in making the announcement. “Luca will join Lethbridge for its game in Portland, Oregon on Wednesday.” Sbisa, 19, recorded seven assists and 36 penalty minutes in 39 games this season with the Flyers. He became the fourth youngest Flyer and second youngest defenseman to ever play for the club at 18 years, 255 days, when he suited up against the New York Rangers on October 11, 2008, in the first game of the 2008-09 season. He recorded his first career point, an assist, vs. San Jose on October 22, 2008. Last season for Lethbridge, he recorded six goals and 27 assists for 33 points and 63 penalty minutes in 62 games. Sbisa won the Carl Trentini Memorial Award as the Hurricanes Rookie of the Year, and led all WHL defensemen in playoff scoring with 15 points (3g, 12a) in 19 games as Lethbridge advanced to the 2008 WHL Finals. Sbisa was selected to participate in the 2008 CHL Top Prospects Game and was a member of Team Switzerland at the 2008 World Junior Championship Tournament. The Ozieri, Italy native was drafted by the Flyers in the first round (19th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He signed an entry level contract with the club on October 1, 2008.
From the Hurricanes:
With his return, the Hurricanes now boast a lineup which includes three first round draft picks; Sbisa, the newly acquired Kyle Beach (Chicago – 11th overall) and Zach Boychuk (Carolina – 14th overall). Lethbridge now also has a total of seven drafted players on their current roster. The others include; Captain Ben Wright (4th round, 113 overall - Columbus 2006, now an overage free agent), Dwight King (4th round, 109th overall – Los Angeles 2007), Colton Sceviour (4th round, 112th overall – Dallas 2007) and Eric Mestery (2nd round, 57th overall – Washington 2008).
Is it just me or did you just hear the rest of the eastern conference gasp? The loudest gasp may come from Calgary given how we played them with half a team (minus Orfino, Dick, King, Versteeg etc.) Looks a lot like last year kids. The hitmen can have first place every year if they want. Let's just hope Luca gets a chance at the other Schen brother this year. We all remember how that turned out. Go canes go!!!
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