The Pittsburgh Penguins promoted a former All-Star and hired an analyst expert from one of the most successful baseball teams of the past decade among a number of front-office moves announced Monday.
The Penguins announced that assistant general manager Jason Spezza will now also serve as the general manager of the club’s AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He will work alongside former U.S. national team player Amanda Kessel, who was promoted to manager, minor league operations and assistant general manager, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Kessel, who has worked for the Penguins for the past two seasons, was selected by Montreal in this spring’s PWHL Draft, but had made known her only desire was to play for Boston, according to The Hockey News.
The most significant announcement was the hiring of Jonathan Erlichman, who will serve as vice president, hockey research, development and strategy.
Erlichman joins the Penguins from MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, where he worked for 12 years in various analysis roles. With the Rays, Erlichman became the first data analyst to serve in the dugout when he was named analytics coach in 2019. He served in that role for four years and most recently was the Rays’ VP, process and analytics.
“Erlichman will lead the Penguins’ research and development strategy, including the club’s use of data and analytics in the player acquisition, player development and player evaluation processes,” the Penguins said in a statement, adding that the Toronto native will report directly to general manager Kyle Dubas.
The complete list of additions and promotions can be found bellow.
Staff Additions
Jonathan Erlichman – Vice President, Hockey Research, Development & Strategy
Kevin Elliott – Head Athletic Trainer
Lucas Malloy – Manager, Hockey Operations
Chris Roque – Amateur Scout
Brandon Dennis – Amateur Scout
Brian Ihnacak – Amateur Scout
Jason Pietrzykowski – Professional Scout
Chad Nehring – Professional Scout
Karel Popper – Goaltender Coach, Wheeling Nailers
Staff Promotions
Jason Spezza – Assistant General Manager & General Manager, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Amanda Kessel – Manager, Minor League Operations and Assistant General Manager, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Kain Tisi – Goaltender Coach, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Mark Osiecki – Professional & NCAA Scout