P.J. Atherton

P.J. Atherton (born August 16, 1982 in Edina, Minnesota) is a professional ice hockey defenceman currently with the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins. Atherton was drafted in the 6th round (170th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Junior/Collegiate career
Atherton's juniors career began in 1999, as he signed to play for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League. Atherton played three seasons for Cedar Rapids, scoring 43 points in 102 games.

Following his completion of his term in juniors, Atherton returned to his home state of Minnesota to play collegiately for the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Atherton would play four seasons with Minnesota, scoring 17 points in 106 games and was a member of the 2003 National Champion team.

Professional career
Immediately after the completion of his senior season, Atherton was assigned to the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons to complete their 2005-06 campaign, scoring four points in nine games for Springfield. Atherton would spend most of the 2006-07 season with the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL, scoring 29 points in 57 games and saw time in the AHL with Springfield, leading to a goal and an assist for two points in seven games.

Atherton spent most of his 2007-08 season once again in the ECHL with the Reading Royals scoring 41 points in 55 regular season games and four points in 13 playoff games. Atherton would also see a short nine game call up to the Manchester Monarchs, scoring three points in the process.

In 2008, Atherton signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins as a free agent. Throughout the season, Atherton has seen split time between Grand Rapids and the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL.