Bruins Make Scouting Promotions and Additions; Hire P.J. Axelsson

In the first round of scouting announcements to hit the airwaves, the Boston Bruins have made a few additions to their scouting roster. In a team press release from Tuesday, August 20th:

“BOSTON, MA – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, August 20, that the club has promoted Keith Gretzky to Director of Amateur Scouting, hired P.J. Axelsson as a European Amateur Scout and hired Keith Sullivan as an Amateur Scout.

Gretzky joined the Bruins organization in 2011 as an Amateur Scout based out of Ontario. In his new role as Director of Amateur Scouting, Gretzky will oversee the efforts of the team’s amateur scouting staff in addition to scouting those North American and European players eligible for the annual NHL Entry Draft. He previously served as an Amateur Scout with the Phoenix Coyotes from 2001 to 2005 before being promoted to the Director of Amateur Scouting in 2006.”

While Gretzky is the brother of former NHL superstar Wayne Gretzky, fans of the black and gold will be sure to appreciate the addition of the beloved 38-year-old, Sweden native P.J. Axelsson. Axelsson was a long standing member of the Bruins, wearing number 11 with pride for 11 seasons.

“Axelsson joins the Bruins Organization as an Amateur Scout after spending 11 seasons (1997 – 2009) wearing the Spoked-B. The former Bruins forward skated in 797 career NHL games – all with the Black & Gold – notching 103 goals and 184 assists for 287 points, while racking up 276 penalty minutes. The winger was selected by the Boston Bruins in the seventh round (177th overall) of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.

Axelsson was an active contributor to the Greater Boston Community in his time as a Bruin, starting the annual “PJ Drive,” where fans are encouraged to bring new, unused pajamas to a specified game as well as locations all over Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, which are then donated to charity.

Following his time with the Bruins, he played for Frolunda HC in the Swedish Elite League from 2010-2013 before announcing his retirement from pro hockey on April 10, 2013. Born in Kungalv, Sweden, Axelsson will be based out of Sweden and responsible for scouting European Amateur Prospects.”

Finally, former NHL player Keith Sullivan will join the organization following a career with Phoenix, Winnipeg and a GM stint in the USHL.

“Sullivan joins the Bruins as an Amateur Scout after spending four seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes (2007-2011) and one year with the Winnipeg Jets (2011-12). In 2012-13, Sullivan served as the General Manager for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League. He will be based out of Omaha, NE.”

With summer quickly coming to a close and hockey season around the corner, fans interested in learning more about Boston Bruins players, or ticket options, should visit the team website at www.bostonbruins.com or call 617.624.BEAR.