A German news agency reported today that soccer oracle Paul the octopus, who gained fame by picking correctly World Cup games involving Germany and picked Spain to win the final this summer, died at an aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins assigned forward Eric Tangradi and defenseman Andrew Hutchinson to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, clearing the way for forward Arron Asham to be activated for Wednesday's game at Tampa Bay.

Asham has been out since injuring his left shoulder late in the preseason. Forward Jordan Staal remained on the injured list Monday with infections in his right foot, but he could be ready soon.

Tangradi had one goal and one assist in nine games. Hutchinson had one assist in five games.

ADAMS TWP — The Knoch and Mars girls volleyball teams will open the WPIAL Class AA playoffs in a doubleheader at Mars High today.Knoch will play Beaver at 6 p.m. Mars will battle Brownsville at 7:30.

KARNS CITY — The Karns City boys and girls soccer teams will open the District 9 Class A playoffs in a doubleheader Thursday at Karns City.The Gremlins girls will host Curwensville at 5 p.m. while the Gremlins boys will play either Brookville or Port Allegany at 7.

MONROEVILLE — Center Township resident Will Nesbitt won the boys 16s sectional tennis tournament in Monroeville over the weekend.Nesbitt defeated Alok Nimgoankar 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the finals.He teamed with Butler High teammate Zach McCafferty to win the doubles title as well, defeating two duos by 8-4 scores.

SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University kicker C.J. Bahr is among 121 semifinalists and 12 Division II players for the 2010 William V. Campbell Trophy.The award is for a senior student athlete with a grade-point average above 3.2 who are significant contributors to their team and community.Up to 15 finalists will be announced Thursday.