IceHogs Year in Review: Brandon Pirri

                     Position: Center                   Shoots: Left
                     Height: 6'0"                         Birthday: April 10, 1991
                     Weight: 180                        Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

2010-11 Stats
GP   G   A   PTS   +/-   PIM   PPG   SHG   SOG   S%
70   12  31   43      -6     50      2       0      128    9.4

After leaving RPI to turn pro, Brandon Pirri had a pretty good training camp with the Blackhawks. He was ultimately sent down to Rockford after a couple of preseason games. He made his NHL debut on October 9th, which was the Hawks' home opener and the 2010 Stanley Cup banner raising ceremony. The Hawks had called him back up due to an upper body injury to Patrick Sharp. He was sent back the next day.  

He had a decent start to his season. He started off with 6 points in 8 games and then his production slowed down some. At some points, it looked like he was still getting used to playing against bigger and stronger guys than he played against in college. Pirri was invited to Team Canada's World Junior tryouts, but he ended up being cut on December 15th. He came back to Rockford and his play started to pick up a bit. He missed five games at the end of February into the beginning of March with an injury.

When he came back from that though, his play improved a lot. Pirri had been used as the second line center for most of the year, but then he got a chance towards the end of the year to center the first line with Jeff Taffe on his wing. He was used as the center on the top power play unit, too. With the increased ice time, his point production increased and he came up big for the IceHogs down the stretch. He even led all Hogs rookies with 43 points.

The Hawks recalled him on April 14th to be a part of the Black Aces for the playoffs as well. According to IceHogs Insider, the Hogs' official gameday publication, Pirri is going to work with Gary Roberts this summer. That will definitely help him put on some size and muscle, which is something that he needs.

 

Pirri will more than likely be back in Rockford next season. He'll definitely be an option for the Hawks to call up when in need for a center, especially as he develops more.

Pirri lining up for a draw on November 27th against the Peoria Rivermen.

Pirri taking a draw in the same game.