Chad Ruhwedel (5) chased down Ryan Callahan on Friday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres rookie Ruhwedel excited to be playing in Pittsburgh again

PITTSBURGH – Buffalo Sabres rookie Chad Ruhwedel hasn’t truly left college yet. Five games into his new life, the 22-year-old defenseman is still enrolled at UMass Lowell, where he’s a senior pursuing degrees in business and marketing and management.

Even in the NHL, Ruhwedel, who had junior playing status, still has some school work to do. When the season ends, he’ll go back and finish the semester.

“A little tough, but my teachers have been pretty understanding,” Ruhwedel said today after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s contest against the Penguins. “I’ll be able to have plenty of time to go back and finish finals.”

Tonight, Ruhwedel is back where his NCAA career ended in the Frozen Four semifinal just 12 days ago, the Consol Energy Center. Naturally, this city and the building hold special memories.

“Coming out of the tunnel last night and seeing Pittsburgh again was cool,” Ruhwedel said. “It’s a great city. They did a great job hosting the Frozen Four. It was incredible, a lot of fun.”

Ruhwedel’s life has been a blur since signing a two-year contract April 13.

“I’m just kind of still running on adrenaline,” said Ruhwedel, who’s living in a hotel temporarily.

So far, Ruhwedel’s averaging 13:44 a game beside partner Mike Weber. He’s still pointless.

Check back later for more on Ruhwedel and a full notebook!

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