Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

WMU’s Frederik Tiffels signs with Penguins

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

 

By @MichaelCaples –

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they have officially added a Bronco to their organization.

The NHL franchise has signed Western Michigan forward and Muskegon Lumberjacks alum Frederik Tiffels to an entry-level contract.

Tiffels leaves Kalamazoo after three seasons with WMU; he was a sixth-round pick of the Penguins in the 2015 NHL Draft.

“I’d like to thank Coach Murray, the staff and my teammates as well as (athletic director) Kathy Beauregard for giving me this opportunity,” Tiffels said via the Broncos. “Western Michigan hockey had all the resources that I needed to get better and it was a wonderful experience in my three years here. I’d also like to thank the Pittsburgh Penguins for taking a chance and drafting me. I look forward to repaying that trust as I continue to work hard and improve every day.”

Tiffels, the first German to play for the WMU hockey program, posted 59 points in 105 career games with WMU. In 2016-17, he recorded 21 points in the Broncos’ run to the NCAA Tournament.

“We’re really excited for Freddy’s opportunity,” said head coach Andy Murray. “He’s done everything the right way at Western. For a guy who English was a second language, he was an ‘A’ student and a leader on the ice and in our locker room. He leaves us in great academic standing and is close to completing his degree.”