Pickering called up to NHL's Penguins

Former Swift Current Broncos captain Owen Pickering is one step closer to an NHL game.

The Pittsburgh Penguins called him up from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. 

Pickering has a goal and is +5 in 12 AHL games so far this season.

Pittsburgh picked him 21st in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft.

His coach in the AHL has been impressed with the native of St. Adolphe, Manitoba in his first pro season.

"He's been outstanding," said Wilkes-Barre/Scranton head coach Kirk MacDonald to InsideAHLHockey. "Anybody who thinks otherwise is obviously not watching the games."

Pickering had 133 points in 205 WHL games for Swift Current. 

The first opportunity for his NHL debut comes when the Penguins play the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight.