Jason Pitton

2006-07 Update: May 1, 2007: Jason Pitton recorded an assist in 8 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of April. He was a -5. Pitton's assist came in Bridgeport's 4-2 win vs. the Albany River Rats on Apr. 1st. The Sound Tigers went 3-4-1 in their final 8 games played of the regular season.

April 1, 2007: Jason Pitton went 2-3-5 in 14 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of March. He scored a goal and an assist in a 6-2 win at the Binghamton Senators Mar. 23rd. Pitton fought Philadelphia Phantom RW Gino Pisellini in a 5-4 win in Bridgeport Mar. 10th. Bridgeport posted a 5-8-1 record in March.

March 1, 2007: Jason Pitton went 2-2-4 in 15 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of February. His goals came in a 4-2 win vs. Hartford Feb. 9th and in a 3-2 loss at the Lowell Devils Feb. 17th. Pitton recorded an assist in a 5-3 win at the Providence Bruins Feb. 4th and in a 4-3 loss at the Albany River Rats Feb. 23rd. He fought Hartford's D Jake Taylor in a 5-1 loss Feb. 25th. Bridgeport posted a 8-7-0 record in February.

February 1, 2007: Jason Pitton went 3-1-4 in 10 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of January. He was a +4. Pitton had a 3 game point scoring streak from Jan. 5th to Jan. 13th in which he went 2-1-3. On Jan. 5th he recorded the game winning goal in a 7-4 win at Albany. Pitton scored the first goal of the game on Jan. 13th in a 5-2 win vs. Hershey. He scored an empty net goal on Jan. 27th in a 4-1 win vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton after going 6 games without a point. On Jan. 26th, Pitton fought Hartford's LW Dane Byers. Bridgeport posted a 7-2-1 record in January.

January 1, 2007: Jason Pitton scored one goal in 13 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the month of December. The goal came on Dec. 26th in a 6-3 loss vs. the Hershey Bears. Pitton had gone 14 games without a goal(last goal was 11/17) and 10 games without registering a point(last point was 11/26). He was a -8 on the month as the Sound Tigers struggled in December going 1-7-0 in their last 8 games. Jason's younger brother Bryan Pitton is a goaltender with the OHL's Brampton Battalion, and a 2006 5th round pick of the Edmonton Oilers.

December 1, 2006: Jason Pitton went 1-2-3 in 11 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of November. He scored his first career AHL goal on November 17, 2006 in a 5-1 win at the Worcester Sharks. It was the game winner. Pitton was scratched twice in November:  11/4 at Portland and 11/12 vs. Worcester.

November 1, 2006: Jason Pitton made his AHL debut with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in their 5-3 season opening win at the Binghamton Senators on October 8, 2006. He played in 5 of the Sound Tigers 7 games during the month of October. He recorded his first career AHL point, an assist, in Bridgeport's 5-4 shootout loss at Providence on October 27, 2006. He was a healthy scratch on October 14th at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton after going -2 the previous night in Bridgeport's 6-3 win at Hartford. He was also a healthy scratch on October 22nd vs. Springfield. Pitton is still looking for his first career goal. He did score a goal during the preseason, on October 4th in a 5-3 loss to Hartford. Played on a line with veteran's Eric Boguniecki and Peter Ferraro during the second half of October. Pitton was a -4 in his 5 games played.

Highlights:

* Named third star with a goal in 5-2 loss vs. Portland Pirates March 25, 2007.

BRIDGEPORT — Since the summer, Jason Pitton had the blueprint for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers player he is becoming. He had many of the tools he would need: size, quickness, skills. Like most rookies at age 20, he needed to find the formula to use them. Almost from the start, though, he and his coach knew there was one thing he had to do, and he would be able to do: hit. And while still adding bulk to his 6-foot-2 frame, growing over 200 pounds, Pitton has consistently done that. "It's something I knew I needed to do to be on this team," said Pitton, an eighth-round pick of the New York Islanders in 2004. "When I was working out this summer, I talked to Coach (Dan) Marshall, and he said he needed me to play really physical and bang bodies around."

Pitton was quiet on the scoresheet early on; with five goals and five assists, he still isn't among the points leaders. But he was always willing to play a physical game, even when the rest of the team was quiet. "He knows how, more so than at the beginning of the year, how to finish his checks," Marshall said. "He's earning ice time. It's going to spill over. He'll get rewarded for finishing checks and doing his job."

Points have started to come, and Pitton said he is feeling more comfortable, understanding where to be on the ice. Pitton has half of his season points total since Jan. 1; two of his goals have been game-winners. For more than a month, he played on the right side with Masi Marjamaki and Petteri Nokelainen on a hard-working line that played tough and chipped in some offense. Given the idea that Pitton has been the most improved Sound Tiger from the start of the season, Marshall nodded. "He doesn't say 'boo.' He just works hard and does his job," Marshall said. "He's got that kind of attitude, 'Keep feeding me information.'"

Veterans like Peter Ferraro have fed Pitton that information, too, helping him on the ice and off, staying in shape in the weight room.

"I'm playing with guys who have been in the league for 10 years," Pitton said. "They know how to play. I want to listen to them.

"Just sitting beside (Ferraro) in the room has helped."

The first couple of months were an adjustment from the junior Ontario Hockey League, where Pitton scored 42 points each of the past two seasons. With its new "Adopt a Tiger" program, the team placed Pitton with Lynn and Nancy Wilson of Westport, so he had a place to live and adjust to life in Connecticut. "They've helped ease my way into this," Pitton said. Pitton was scratched four times in the Sound Tigers' first 13 games. His plus/minus rating dipped as low as minus-11. Flashes of his potential were there in every zone. In an Oct. 27 game at Providence, he hit the Bruins hard and made a defensive play in the neutral zone that turned into an Eric Boguniecki goal. Two games after his last scratch, he drove to the net to pop home the go-ahead goal in a Nov. 17 game at Worcester. "His offensive game is going to come. His defensive game is pretty sound," Marshall said. "He's got things to learn, but he's learning at a different pace and learning from the older guys."

Speed has helped him, too, including on the penalty kill, where he usually works with Marjamaki, pressuring the points. That skating ability helps on the forecheck, too, getting in and out of the zone. "He's got straightaway speed," Marshall said. "Handling the puck is the big question. I think he's 50 percent of the way there. At the beginning of the year, he was losing the puck too much.

"In the new NHL," added Marshall, "a guy who's 6-2 and can skate like that, they're really going to give him a shot."

They know he can throw a hit. The Pitton file

WHO — Jason Pitton

AGE — 20

VITALS — 6-foot-2, 195 pounds

POSITION — Wing

SHOOTS — Left

RESUME — Rookie forward had five goals and five assists going into Wednesday night's game. ... Has two game-winning goals. ... Had three goals and two assists and was plus-4 in the previous 13 games.

Connpost.com 2006-07 Player Capsule

NAME — Jason Pitton
NUMBER — 17
POSITION — Left wing
SHOOTS — Left
VITALS — 6-2, 195
BORN — May 23, 1986, Brampton, Ontario
LAST SEASON — Sault Ste. Marie-OHL (37: 18-9-27); Guelph-OHL (31: 10-5-15)
RESUME — Big, strong forward begins his first pro season. ... Scored 23 goals in 68 games two years ago, then scored 28 in 68 last year. ... Had eight points in 15 playoff games for Guelph. ... Eighth-round pick for the Islanders in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Jason Pitton Signed with Islanders as of June 1, 2006

- islesinfo.com emailed the Guelph Storm recently and inquired if they knew anything about the status of LW Jason Pitton, who needed to be signed by the Islanders by June 1st or they would lose the rights to the 2004 eighth round draft pick.

Their reply was short but according to what they were told as of June 4th, Pitton was indeed signed by the Islanders. Obviously there hasn't been any other announcement about the signing by the Islanders or anyone else, so the terms of the deal are unknown.

Pitton plays a power style of game at 6'2" and 196 lbs. He began the 2005-06 OHL season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds but was traded towards the trade deadline to the Guelph Storm. In 68 games played during the 2005-06 season Pitton scored 28 goals and 42 points. In his OHL career from 2002 to 2006 he went 60-44-104 in 204 games played.

Most likely he will end up with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

More...

This blurb was taken from an article about the Guelph Storm's outlook for 2006-07, written by Paul Osborne of the Guelph Tribune on June 6, 2006:

So Barr(Guelph GM/Coach Dave Barr) will trade some of his excess OA's(over ager's) to add some veteran savvy? Well, defenceman Kyle Wharton just signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Jason Pitton with the New York Islanders and you have to assume if they're going to pay these kids, they'll want them in the farm system.

2005-06 Update: May 1, 2006 Update: Playoffs: The Guelph Storm went on to play the Plymouth Whalers in the second round of the OHL playoffs. Guelph won the series 4 games to 2 after winning the first three games of the series. In the series vs. Plymouth, Pitton went 2-2-4 and was a +3 in 6 games played. He scored an empty net goal in Game 1 at Plymouth, a 4-1 win on April 7th. He also scored in a 5-2 Guelph loss at Plymouth in Game 5, April 14th. After two rounds, Pitton had gone 4-2-6 in 10 games played and was a +4. Guelph advanced to the third round of the OHL playoffs to take on the defending Memorial Cup Champions, the London Knights. London ended Guelph's run by winning the series 4 games to 1. In the series vs. London, Pitton went 1-1-2 and was a -2 in 5 games played. Both of his points came in Game 5, a 5-4 OT loss at London on April 28th. Overall in the OHL playoffs, Pitton went 5-3-8 in 15 games played and was a +2. It will be interesting to see if Pitton gets an offer from the Islanders. He was in training camp this season but it may be a long shot that he will be signed. He did set a career high in goals this year with 28 but did not do enough to really impress.

April 1, 2006 Update: Jason Pitton scored 2 goals in 8 games played for the Guelph Storm in March. His 28th goal on March 15th gave him 42 points on the season, which tied his career high of 2004-05.

Playoffs: The Guelph Storm were pitted against the Saginaw Spirit in the first round of the OHL Playoffs, best of seven. The Storm are headed to the second round as they swept Saginaw 4 games to 0. Pitton scored the game winning power play goal in Game 1 at Guelph on March 24th, a 3-2 win. He scored two goals in the series. His other goal came in Game 4 in Saginaw, a 4-3 Guelph win.

March 1, 2006 Update: Jason Pitton went 4-1-5 in 11 games played for the Guelph Storm in February. Scored his career high 24th goal of the season on February 11th to surpass his previous high of 23 goals in 2004-05. Scored an unassisted shorthanded goal in a 5-4 overtime loss vs. Erie in which the game winning goal was scored by the Otter's Ryan O'Marra. Plays on a line with Tyler Doig and Rafael Rotter. Pitton currently has 40 points on the season which is 2 points shy of his career high 42 he produced in 2004-05.

February 1, 2006 Update: Following his trade to the Guelph Storm on December 31, 2005 Pitton went 4-4-8 in his first 12 games with his new team. He scored a goal in his debut with the Storm on January 1, 2006 in a 7-3 loss at the Oshawa Generals. Pitton's Storm defeated the Erie Otters twice in a home and home series on Jan. 25th & 27th. Pitton didn't record a point in the series. Islanders 2005 first round pick Ryan O'Marra recorded an assist in the 2 games. On Jan. 29th Pitton fought London defenseman Ryan Martinelli.

January 1, 2006 Update: Jason Pitton was traded to the Guelph Storm on December 31, 2005. During the month of December with Sault Ste. Marie he recorded 8 goals and 10 points in 11 games played. Scored 6 goals in a 3 game scoring streak from Dec. 16th to 28th, 2005.

Jason Pitton attended the Islanders 2005 summer rookie camp. He also had a good showing at training camp this year.

Highlights: * Video of Jason Pitton scoring his first goal of the 2005-06 season in a 4-1 win vs. Ryan O'Marra and the Erie Otters September 25, 2005.

* Named the third star with a goal and an assist in a 6-4 win at the Windsor Spitfires on September 29, 2005.

* Scored the game winning goal in an October 8, 2005 matchup against Ryan O'Marra and the Erie Otters on the road, final was 5-2. O'Marra recorded an assist in the Erie loss. Head to head this season, Pitton has outscored O'Marra 3 points to one.

* Named third star in a 5-4 loss at the Sudbury Wolves on October 18, 2005. Pitton recorded a goal and an assist in the loss.

* Named first star in 4-3 shootout win versus Kitchener Rangers on October 28, 2005. Pitton recorded a goal and an assist in the win. The goal was his seventh of the season. Video

* Named second star with a game winning power play goal(5 on 3) in 4-2 win vs. Guelph Storm on November 26, 2005.

* Named second star with a goal in 2-1 win vs. Kitchener Rangers December 11, 2005.

* Named second star with 3 goals(hat trick) in 6-4 loss at Guelph Storm December 16, 2005. Two of the goals were even strength while one came shorthanded.

* Named second star with 2 goals(one on powerplay) in 4-3 loss at Sudbury Wolves Dec. 28, 2005.

* Named first star with an assist in a 4-2 win vs. the Plymouth Whalers January 20, 2006.

* Named third star with a goal and an assist in 4-3 win vs. the London Knights January 22, 2006.

* Named third star with 2 goals in a 4-3 loss at Belleville Bulls February 11, 2006.

Guelph Storm Name Player of the Week
January 24, 2006

This week’s selection is #17 Jason Pitton.

The newly acquired winger recorded 1 assist at home on Friday January 20th against the visiting Plymouth Whalers and was a physical presence all night long.  After playing on the road in Sarnia on Saturday night, the Storm capped off their three-in-three at home against the London Knights.  Pitton was a force throughout the game and recorded a goal and an assist against the Western Conference leaders.  Jason now has 8 points in 9 games in a Storm uniform.

Jason Pitton Traded to Guelph Storm
December 31, 2005

The Soo Greyhounds completed a 4-player deal with the Guelph Storm on Saturday morning that will see centreman Matt Lyall and defenceman Josh Godfrey become the newest members of the Hounds.
The locals also receive a 3rd round pick in the 2006 OHL Priority Selection and a conditional 4th round pick in 2007.

Heading to Guelph is forward Jason Pitton and defenceman Kyle Wharton.

General Manager Dave Torrie stressed the difficulty in dealing two quality young men such as Pitton and Wharton.

"In trading Jason and Kyle we're sending two very good players and members of the community to another team. That is the hard part of the business. With them being 19-year olds in this league their looking to play pro next year and this will help them further their careers" stated Torrie.

Jason Pitton was drafted by the Greyhounds in the 5th round (97th overall) of the 2002 OHL Priority Selection.  The 6’3, 219lb winger was selected by the New York Islanders in the 8th round (244th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

2005-06 Video

- Greyhounds drop a 6-2 decision at the defending Memorial Cup Champion London Knights on October 3, 2005. This Video contains an interview with Jason Pitton, who scored his 3rd of the season in the loss.

Click Here - Video of Jason Pitton in a 4-3 loss vs. the Sarnia Sting October 5, 2005.

Click Here - Greyhounds lose 2-1 vs. Saginaw Spirit October 26, 2005. Pitton with some good chances.

- Jason Pitton has two chances stopped in a 4-2 loss vs. the Kingston Frontenacs October 30, 2005.

- Video of Jason Pitton scoring his 10th goal of the season in a 4-2 win vs. the Guelph Storm on November 26, 2005. Pitton scored SSM's 4th goal. Click Here (a new window will open)

2004-05 Video from Ltvnews

Click Here - Jason Pitton scored his 16th goal of the 2004-05 season in 5-2 win over Oshawa on February 10, 2005.

Click Here - Pitton scores the game winner with his 17th of 2004-05 in a 3-2 win vs. the Barrie Colts on February 12, 2005.

Click Here - Pitton scores his 18th of the season in a 4-1 loss vs. the Sarnia Sting February 23, 2005.

Click Here - Jason Pitton scores a shorthanded goal in a 6-2 win at the Guelph Storm February 27, 2005.

Click Here - Pitton scores his 21st of the season in a 6-1 win over the Plymouth Whalers March 6, 2005.

Click Here - Pitton redirects in his 22nd of the season in a 7-2 win vs. the Saginaw Spirit on March 9, 2005.

Click Here - Jason Pitton notches a goal and three assists in a 6-5 win vs. the Windsor Spitfires on March 19, 2005. The goal was his 23rd of the 2004-05 season. This was the second to last game of the season for the Greyhounds and a tuneup meeting against the Spitfires who they would go on to face in the playoffs.

Click Here - Pitton and the Greyhounds defeat the Winsor Spitfires 5-0 in Game 1 of their playoff series vs. the Windsor Spitfires March 25, 2005. Former Islander draft pick Brad Topping is in net as an overager for the Spitfires.

Click Here - Jason Pitton scores in a 3-1 Soo Greyhounds win vs. the Windsor Spitfires on March 26, 2005 to go up 2-0 in their playoff series.

Pitton scored the winner as Sault Ste. Marie beat Guelph 4-2
November 26, 2005

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. (CP) - Jason Pitton's goal at 13:51 of the third period proved to be the game-winner as the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds beat the Guelph Storm 4-2 in Ontario Hockey League action Saturday.

2003-04 Season (Rookie - OHL)

* Named third star with a goal November 13, 2003 in a 4-2 win over the Mississauga Ice Dogs.

Scouting Report
from Soogreyhounds.com
Big veteran blossomed into a solid point-producer last year and looks ready to take that, and his physical game, even further. Has bulked up about 20 pounds from last year.

"Left wing Jason Pitton has 20-plus goals for Sault Ste. Marie. He a big kid and a strong skater. He's become an interesting prospect for us. We see him as a big, strong grinding forward." - Islanders Head of Scouting Tony Feltrin in an NHL.com Future's article posted March 16, 2005.

Central Scouting Bureau: Jason Pitton

Is an adequate skater with a bent over style and wide stance....on any given night he is most noticeable for his forechecking and his "go to the net" mentality....must improve both his skating skills and puckhandling in order to contribute more to the offense....is a gritty competitor who works hard on most occasions....has been used on the point on the power-play at times during this season, but is primarily used as an up-and-down winger in a more defensive role.

Isles Scouts: "Pitton has good fundamental skills," said Islanders OHL scout Doug Gibson. "He was moved around a lot with his team and didn't really settle in. But he can skate a bit and has good size. Like many guys chosen today, they need to realize their potential and seize the opportunity."

Greyhounds ground Spitfires, 6-4
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com (excerpt) 
Thursday, September 29, 2005

In the third period, the Greyhounds took control as David Kuchejda and Jason Pitton, the third star of the game, scored 1:15 apart for a 5-3 lead. David Lomas' power play goal with 7:51 remaining gave the Spitfires some life that was quickly taken away by Ryan Kitchen, who scored just 17 seconds later.

Kuchejda, who was named the game's first star, also recorded a pair of assists while Pitton and Kitchen added one each. Brett Liscumb set up a pair for the Spitfires and Garlock another.

Windsor forces seventh game with third straight win
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com (excerpt)
Sunday, April 03, 2005

The Greyhounds scratched their way back into the game before the end of the frame as Blair Jarrett scored his first of two goals at 17:58 before Jason Pitton's power play goal with 19 seconds left in the first period pulled the Hounds into a 2-2 tie. 

Pitton added an assist for the Greyhounds while Brett Liscomb set up one and Paul Giallonardo two for the Spitfires.

Windsor won game six 4-3. (Note: Windsor came back from a 3-0 deficit in the series to win 4-3 and eliminate the Greyhounds)

Hounds win playoff preview over Windsor, 6-5
By Brad Coccimiglio
SooToday.com (excerpt)
Saturday, March 19, 2005

The Hounds received a strong offensive performance from the line of Tyler Kennedy between Jason Pitton and Blair Jarrett as the trio combined for nine points in the victory.

The Hounds managed to respond later in the period as they scored three times in just over six minutes to take a 3-1 lead after one period. Kennedy, Reg Thomas and Pitton supplied the scoring.

Pitton recorded a goal and three assists in the game.

Greyhounds shoot down Spitfires, 6-4
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com (excerpt)
Friday, March 04, 2005

Jason Pitton salted away the game 46 seconds later when he collected a turnover just inside the Windsor zone and fired a shot past Windsor goaltender Brad Topping.

Jordan Smith recorded three assists for the Greyhounds while Lawrence setup a pair. Carter and Pitton added an assist each while Kyle Gajewski took the win in goal.

Hounds battle for victory over Oshawa
By Brad Coccimiglio
SooToday.com (excerpt)
Saturday, February 12, 2005

The Generals took a 1-0 lead on the Greyhounds just ten seconds into the opening period, but the Greyhounds rallied and used a strong performance from the line of Blair Jarrett, Tyler Kennedy and Jason Pitton to defeat the Generals 5-2 in front of 3,187 fans at Memorial Gardens.

Pitton got into the action early in the second period when he slid a puck through a crowd and past Gibb on the power play at 2:31. Kennedy had an opportunity to make the score 5-2 midway through the period but was turned away by Gibb with the Greyhounds shorthanded.

Kennedy, Jarrett, and Pitton, who finished as the game's three stars in that order, each had a goal and two assists in the win.

"The key for that line is when they check," Hartsburg said. "When they do that they make the other team turn the puck over and they usually turn it into scoring chances. They're working really well together."

He went on to say that it's possible the trio has been the Hounds top line for the past number of games.

Hounds gain split after big win in Ottawa
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com (excerpt)
Sunday, December 12, 2004

Led by two unassisted goals from Jason Pitton, who was named the game's first star, the Greyhounds defeated the Ottawa 67's 7-3 on Sunday afternoon.

The Greyhounds took over in the second period as Matt Puntureri scored 2:29 in before Pitton scored his first of the game just six seconds later to put the team ahead 3-2. Tyler Kennedy added his 10th goal of the season late in the frame.

Pitton, who now has 12 goals on the year, opened the third period by scoring a nifty goal on Ottawa netminder Anthony Guadagnolo just 46 seconds in.

Hounds rebound for win over Sting
By Brad Coccimiglio
SooToday.com (excerpt)
Sunday, November 14, 2004

Looking to bounce back from a 3-2 loss at the hands of the Toronto St. Michael's Majors on Friday night, the Greyhounds got off to a quick start as a Jason Pitton goal just 25 seconds from the opening faceoff that propelled the Greyhounds to a 4-1 victory over the visiting Sarnia Sting in Ontario Hockey League action on Sunday evening at Memorial Gardens.

The Greyhounds, who entered the game with a 5-3-2 record since Oct. 22, received a solid overall effort from the line of Tyler Kennedy centring Pitton and overage winger Blair Jarrett en route to the win.

The three combined for seven points in the victory. Pitton, the game's first star picked up two goals and an assist while Kennedy and Jarrett chipped in with two assists each in the win.

Pitton's goal, which was his first of two on the night, beat Sting goaltender Mike Iafrate on the short side to give the locals a quick lead which they would proceed to build on.

At 9:42, with the Greyhounds on the man advantage, Pitton struck again banking a shot of Iafrate and into the net. The goal chased the Sting netminder from the game as veteran Ryan Munce came in for the rest of the night.

Hounds coach Craig Hartsburg was pleased with the overall effort of his club in the victory and said that the Pitton goal early was a key to giving the team a boost.

"Any time you come out (and score early) it gives your team a boost," Hartsburg said. I think we got a really good team effort. We were better defensively (than on Friday night). That's what we constantly address (is the defensive side of the game)."

Hartsburg was also pleased with the play of Pitton, and added that he, Kennedy and Jarrett worked well together as the line has now combined for 19 points in their last four games after their seven point performance on Sunday.

"(Pitton's) a very hard working player," Hartsburg said of the game's first star. "That entire line seems to be working really well (lately)."

Hounds win shootout over Petes, 7-4
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com (excerpt)
Sunday, November 7, 2004

Jason Pitton restored the Greyhounds lead at 18:27 when Tyler Kennedy beat a roaming Eero Kilpelainen to a loose puck behind the net and fed Pitton with an open net to shoot at.

"I thought Kennedy's line was real good on the forecheck," added Hartsburg. "They got pressure on the puck right away and they scored two goals because of it. It proves that when we get the puck deep and we pursue it, we can do some good things."

Pitton opened the scoring in the third period with his second of the night at 3:52 before Andrew Desjardins collected a rebound and scored his third of the season for a 7-4 lead.

Hounds deflate Saginaw's spirit, 5-1
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com (excerpt)
Sunday, October 24, 2004

With more energy in the second period, the Hounds jumped ahead 2-1 just 41 seconds in as Pitton scored his third of the year. Pitton added to lead at 5:01 with his second of the game on the power play. 

Pitton added a pair of assists while Tyler Kennedy recorded three assists and Blair Jarrett one.

Pitton Selected by Islanders
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com (excerpt)
Sunday, June 27, 2004

Jason Pitton was the final Greyhound to be selected as the New York Islanders snagged the intriguing prospect in the eighth round, 244th overall.

Pitton, a six-foot-two and 195 pound right winger, scored nine goals and 20 points in 67 games last year as a rookie while seeing his ice time increase as the season progressed.

Hounds future bright with 20 potential returnees
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com  (excerpt)
Monday, March 15, 2004

Aside from the world class play of Jeff Carter, Tyler Kennedy and Jason Pitton head a list of returning forwards and are the two most likely candidates for a breakout seasons.

Hounds offense explodes against Spits
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com  (excerpt)
Sunday, January 04, 2004

Rookie forward Jason Pitton had his best game as a Greyhound and netted three goals to lead the attack. Jeff Larsh added two goals and an assist, Jeff Doyle scored once and setup two others, Scott Dobben recorded three assists while Brett Connolly, who also played a solid game, scored once and added an assist.

The Greyhounds exploded out of the gate and opened a 3-0 lead in a five minute span during the first half of the opening period.

Pitton, the game's first star, opened the scoring on the power play before Larsh scored just 16 seconds later. Pitton banged home his own rebound minutes later to give the Hounds a 3-0 lead and chase Windsor goaltender Matt Anthony from the game just 9:23 in.

Hounds snap winless skid
By Brad Coccimiglio
SooToday.com  (excerpt)
Sunday, December 14, 2003

The tie score lasted just over a minute as Hounds rookie Jason Pitton scored the game winner at 19:22 to give the Hounds their first win since knocking off Brampton 5-1 at Memorial Gardens back on November 28th.

Hounds rally to deflate Spirit
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com  (excerpt)
Saturday, November 01, 2003

After falling behind by two goals twice, the Greyhounds found a spark and scored four unanswered goals en route to a 5-3 Ontario Hockey League win in front of 2,262 at Memorial Gardens.

The spark came in the form of a goal from Hounds rookie Jason Pitton, which initiated the Hounds to a flurry of three goals in a span of 2:56 late in the second period.

While trailing 3-1, Pitton showed incredible hustle as he picked up a loose puck in open ice and speeded down the right wing and fired a shot past Spirit goaltender Mike Brown.

"Two months ago we would have found a way to lose this game and now we are finding ways to win. And we got some big performances out of Scotty Dobben and Jason Pitton. We didn't get any bounces early on and then Pitton comes down and that kind of turned the tide" said Greyhounds head coach Marty Abrams.

"Pitton is a guy who comes to the rink like a professional and is prepared to work hard every single day. It was great to see him get some rewards because he works that hard every day."

Hounds earn road win in Sarnia
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com  (excerpt)
Saturday, October 11, 2003

The Soo Greyhounds began a tough western division road swing with a hard fought win over the Sarnia Sting on Friday night.

The win comes as defenseman Chris Hawley, who was acquired by the Greyhounds from Mississauga just hours before the game, and Jason Pitton both scored their first Ontario Hockey League goals to lead the Hounds to a 3-2 win.

Just 19 seconds after the Greyhounds were forced to kill a five minute major penalty assessed to Jeff Doyle for elbowing, Pitton scored on a feed from Jeff Carter with 1:27 left in regulation time to break a 2-2 tie.

Lawrence, Pitton sparkle at mini-camp
By Ken Hilderley
SooToday.com  (excerpt)
Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Chris Lawrence and Jason Pitton gave a hint of what's to come as the two showed flashes of dominance at the opening of the Soo Greyhounds mini-camp on Monday.

Lawrence, the Hounds first round pick in May's Ontario Hockey League draft, and Pitton, a fifth round selection from 2002, played both ends of the ice well, won battles along the boards and created several offensive chances in a pair of scrimmages on Monday.

The two-day camp will conclude today with scrimmages at 9:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. Only draft picks and invites with 1987 and 1986 birth dates are participating, excluding 2002 first round pick Tyler Kennedy, who played with the team last year and will report directly to the main camp.

The Greyhounds will open their main camp on Wednesday with registrations and fitness testing. Two scrimmages will be held Thursday at 9:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. while Friday's schedule includes a 10 a.m. scrimmage and the annual Red/White Game at 7 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.

Lawrence and Pitton not only caught the eyes of interested spectators but the attention of Greyhounds general manager Dave Torrie on Monday.

"I thought Chris Lawrence and Jason Pitton played well today. We had them out there on a line together and they looked good. I hate to name individuals but I thought those two obviously stood out," said Torrie.

The two-day mini-camp gives the Greyhounds' brass a chance to measure several aspects. It allows for the chance to note a player's progress, strengths and weaknesses along with determining which eligible players will be included in the main camp.

"With the '87 (birth dates) there are only certain kids who are eligible to even be considered for this year. It gives us a chance to determine whether they fit into our plans this year and with the others it gives us a feel of where they are and what they need to improve upon so they can come back next season and make the team," said Torrie.

Only players drafted in the first and second rounds along with one wildcard player from May's draft are eligible to play this coming season.

Jason Pitton's Greyhounds Profile

Scouting Report: Jason is a speedy forward with good skill. He is strong and physical.

Personal Information: Pitton is entering his first OHL season although he did play 1 game for the Hounds last season. Pitton scored his first career OHL goal on October 10, 2003 in a 3-2 win over Sarnia. He recorded his first career OHL hat trick January 4, 2004 in an 8-2 win over Windsor.