Lightning recall Slater Koekkoek, Joel Vermin from Syracuse
TAMPA BAY, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled defenseman Slater Koekkoek and forward Joel Vermin from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League on Saturday, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced.
Koekkoek, 22, has skated in 55 games with the Crunch this season, posting five goals and 15 points to go along with 24 penalty minutes. Koekkeok has played in six games with the Lightning this season. He recorded his first NHL point with an assist on March 7 at the Philadelphia Flyers. Koekkoek's last appearance came on March 8 against the Boston Bruins, in which he logged 11:05 in ice time. He has played in nine career NHL games, all with Tampa Bay.
The native of Winchester, Ontario was originally selected by Tampa Bay in the first round, 10th overall, at the 2012 NHL Draft.
Vermin, 5-foot-10, 187 pounds, has played in six games with the Lightning this season, recording one assist. He made his NHL debut on November 19 and recorded his first point on November 21 at the Anaheim Ducks. Vermin recorded a season-high for ice time on November 21 against the Ducks with 12:22. He has skated in 29 games with the Crunch this season, notching six goals and 17 points.
A native of Frauenkappelen, Switzerland, Vermin was selected by the Lightning in the seventh round, 186th overall, of the 2013 NHL Draft.
