Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Eric Tangradi (Pittsburgh Penguins)

I probably should've done this one sooner since he was recently re-assigned to the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Baby Pens and no longer on the Pens NHL roster, but the way this kid has been playing I don't think it'll be too long before he's back up here with the "big boys" (this season maybe??)!!

HOCKEY FACTOR:
Anaheim drafted Eric in the second round of the 2007 NHL entry draft (42nd overall) and continued to play for the OHL Belleville Bulls up through this past season (and now plays in the AHL for the Baby Pens). Prior to all of that, he played Wyoming Seminary Prep High School in PA (and YES - he's a true blue PA boy from - ugh - Philadelphia - but we'll happily forgive him for that since he's now playing within the Pittsburgh organization!)!!!!

Now, nothing much has been said since the trade in which we obtained Tangradi, but I honestly believe that we got the best of this one --- Ryan Whitney for Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi -- SWEET!!! Kunitz is awesome on Sid's wing and Tangradi is VERY PROMISING (and he's caused alot of talk during the time he was here for training camp / pre-season)!!

How does Tangradi describe HIMSELF as a player? He told Faceoff Factor the following when they were lucky enough to land an interview with him this past off-season:

I would describe myself as a very gritty left winger. I work for every inch on the ice and open the play up for myself by being very physical. I don’t often score a lot of highlight reel goals, but I am able to capitalize on the ones around the net where a lot of guys don’t like to be. I’m a power forward.

HOTNESS FACTOR:
Who doesn't LOVE a power forward, ladies?!!

First off, it seems that Eric will be needing a new nickname seeing as how his friends / teammates call him "Tanger" -- sorry, Eric, that one's taken already and the "veteran" Mr. Letang will have to pull ranks with it!! I'm sure it won't be long before the Penguins will come up with another good one for him (they always do!)!!

He fits in perfectly with the good looks that run rampant throughout the Penguins organization!! And he's big & tall at 6'4, 221 pounds; but even so, he still plays well with others (specifically our very own Captain, Sid - their line put on quite a show during the Pens first pre-season game against the Columbus Blue Jackets!)!!

OH -- did I mention that he's funny / has a great sense of humor?? He IS / DOES!! Nothing like a guy who's funny!!

Here's a few interesting tidbits about Eric:

• NHL idol growing up - Keith Primeau (why he wore #25 for the Belleville Bulls)
• weird locker room superstitions - he likes to keep those to himself, but he did admit it includes having a cup of coffee
• pre-game meal - chicken & pasta with a Caesar salad