Word out of the Cumberland County Civic Center today as the Pirates held their morning skate was forward Andy Miele had been recalled by the Phoenix Coyotes.

Miele took part in the skate – Pirates play the Adirondack Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers) tonight –, and it became obvious he was heading to Glendale as he stayed on the ice after his teammates – or potentially former teammates – left the ice.

After practice Pirates head coach Ray Edwards confirmed the recall.

Miele’s recall to Phoenix comes less than 24 hours after the Coyotes were shutout at home against the Los Angeles Kings.

The Coyotes (2-3-0-1) have struggled to find consistent offense this season and the hope is the addition of Miele will provide the catalyst to getting their offense going.

Miele, playing on a line with Ryan Duncan and Brett Hextall, recorded five points (2g, 3a) on Wednesday night in a 5-3 win over the Manchester Monarchs.

Portland will have a hole to fill with the absence of Miele and will most likely turn to Ethan Werek, who is ready to return to the lineup after missing Wednesday‘s game due to a bout of colitis.

Edwards also hinted that they may opt to skate 11 forwards and 7 defensemen in the game, turning to 6-5 defenseman Mathieu Brodeur.

Marc-Antoine Pouliot skated in practice, but won’t play tonight or tomorrow. Edwards said that Pouliot has a little ways to go as he recovers from pneumonia, and is more than likely to draw back into the lineup when Portland travel to St. John’s, Newfoundland to play the Ice Caps for a pair of games on Tuesday and Wednesday.