Kinnunen released from PTO with San Antonio Rampage

All-Star defenseman expected back with the Brahmas this weekend

The San Antonio Rampage announced that defenseman Justin Kinnunen has been released from his Professional Try-Out (PTO) signed on February 3. He is expected to re-join the Brahmas for this weekend's games.

Kinnunen dressed for 10 games with the Rampage during his most recent stint through February. He previously signed a PTO with the Rampage January 17 playing in one game and was released on January 20.

While Brahmas fans supported his call-up to the AHL, Kinnunen will be welcomed back to a defensive squad that has been without Eric Lundberg due to injury and Nathan Saunders who has one game left on his two-game league suspension.

Kinnunen played 38 games with the Brahmas this season and has notched 28 points (12 G, 16 A) and has a +15 rating. He also was the Brahmas' representative at the CHL All-Star Game for the second year in a row.

Last season, The 6-foot, 168-pound native of Negaunee, Michigan scored two goals with seven assists through 14 games in the playoffs. During the regular season he tallied 43 points (11 G, 32 A), starting in all 64 games. With the 2009 playoffs coming soon, the Brahmas will be happy to have "Juice" back on the blue line.

Photo Credit: Darren Abate