Exciting Updates: Penguins’ First Round Pick Shines as Stothers Unveils His New Coaching Philosophy!

Cranberry, PA — After several days of practice, the Pittsburgh Penguins Development Camp shifted gears on Sunday. Players moved from basic drills to competitive full-contact activities.

Development camps can be tricky. Often, older players with college or pro experience outshine the younger rookies. This was the case as we saw some standouts, like Brent Johnson. At 22, Johnson played two years at the University of North Dakota and then at Ohio State. He was once a third-round pick for the Washington Capitals but didn’t sign. Last season, he had a taste of pro play with a game for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and two games with the Wheeling Nailers. He’s a defenseman known for his spirited play and has caught attention at camp.

Another exciting player was 2025 first-round pick Ben Kindel. Drafted 11th overall, his ranking didn’t fully reflect his talent. While he feels the pressure to perform, there’s a unique freedom that comes with lower expectations. Kindel impressed during contact drills, showing agility and intelligence on the ice. When asked about his goals during a session, he joked with teammates about the exact number, highlighting his friendly nature.

The real test comes on Monday with full-ice games, which in the past have often been three-on-three. This format could favor quicker players like Kindel but might challenge larger athletes such as fellow first-round picks Bill Zonnon and Will Horcoff.

Despite being listed at 5-foot-11 and 181 pounds, Kindel plays with a heart and tenacity that makes him seem bigger. His experience with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL has prepared him well for these challenges.

Coaching Dynamics

Sunday also marked an important moment for Mike Stothers, one of the Penguins’ assistant coaches. He resonated with the media, sharing anecdotes and energizing the atmosphere. Stothers, alongside the coaching team, emphasized a positive and personable approach in their tactics.

Stothers’s past experiences connect deeply with the team. He coached Todd Nelson during the 1990s, showcasing the family-like culture of the Penguins. He also battled and overcame stage three melanoma this year, a testament to his resilience.

A key focus for Stothers will be the penalty kill strategy, previously managed by Mike Vellucci. Stothers believes in an aggressive approach. “Teams like Carolina excel because they outwork opponents,” he explained. “Pressure disrupts the rhythm of attackers, allowing us to gain the upper hand.”

With his long history in hockey, Stothers is eager to bring forth a new philosophy in penalty-kill tactics.

The season ahead looks promising with emerging talents and seasoned coaching staff. With a blend of youth and experience, the Penguins aim for a strong performance as they gear up for competitive play.

For more insights about team strategies and player developments, visit NHL.com.

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