PHN EXTRA: ‘Tough Kid’ Anthony Angello Gets Physical; Day 1 Evaluation

BUFFALO — With a fresh cut on his face, Anthony Angello talked with reporters minutes after the first game of the Pittsburgh Penguins rookie tournament. Angello made an impact, literally.

Game one was not a great start for the Penguins rookie tournament team. The Boston Bruins rookies led 4-0 before the Penguins team rallied for a pair of third period goals in a 4-2 loss at the Buffalo Harbor Center. The Penguins prospect team does not feature high-end talent but one attribute quickly became apparent: physicality. The Penguins larger team which includes 12 players who were or are undrafted free agents was not short on players who dished strong hits.

Angello, 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, was the Penguins fifth-round choice in 2014. He joined the WBS Penguins late last season after he completed a four-year college career at Cornell. Yesterday, Angello wasted little time establishing his physical presence. Mid-way through the first period, Angello separated a Boston puck carrier from the puck with a thundering, open-ice hit at the Penguins blue line.

“He’s a big body. He can skate. A power forward who can score,” said WBS Penguins head coach Clark Donatelli, who is also coaching the Penguins rookie team. “We’re happy to have him.”

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