CAPITALS RECALL HOLTBY, SCHILLING; LOAN POTI TO HERHSEY

January 13, 2013

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have recalled goaltender Braden Holtby and defenseman Cameron Schilling from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) and forward Tom Wilson from the Plymouth Whalers of Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In addition, the Capitals loaned defenseman Tom Poti to Hershey on a conditioning assignment, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Holtby, 23, posted a 12-12-1 record with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage in 25 games with Hershey this season. He ranked third in the AHL in save percentage and fourth in goals-against average and was named the CCM/AHL Goaltender of the Month for December.

The Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, native was the Capitals’ fourth-round choice, 93rd overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Schilling, 24, recorded seven points (three goals, four assists) and was a plus-six in 32 games with Hershey in his first full professional season.

The Carmel, Ind., native played in 144 collegiate games during his four-year career with Miami, collecting 57 points (eight goals, 49 assists) and 155 penalty minutes. The 6’2”, 197-pound blueliner was a member of two NCAA All-Regional Teams (2008-2010) and helped Miami win the 2010-11 CCHA Championship.

Wilson, 18, who was drafted in the first round (16th overall) by the Capitals in the 2012 NHL Draft in Pittsburgh, has recorded 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) and 59 penalty minutes in 31 games with Plymouth this season. Last year he collected 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists) and 141 penalty minutes in 49 games with Plymouth and added 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 13 OHL playoff games. The Toronto native was voted as the ‘Best Body Checker’ in the OHL’s 2012 Western Conference Coaches Poll and was a runner up for the ‘Hardest Worker’ category.

The 6’4”, 210-pound forward won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, posting three goals in five games. He also won gold with Team Ontario at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, recording one assist and six penalty minutes in four games. The Capitals signed Wilson to a three-year, entry level contract on July 19.

Poti missed all 82 games last season due to an injury. In 808 career NHL regular-season games, Poti has recorded 325 points (69 goals, 256 assists) and 586 penalty minutes.