SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Portland Pirates center Luke Adam has been named the Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month for October. In nine games, Adam tallied six goals, seven assists and a plus-6 rating to help the Pirates to the top of the Atlantic Division standings.
Adam’s professional career began on Oct. 9 with a four-point performance, including two third-period goals, in a 6-5 win over Manchester. He had a second four-point effort a week later, scoring one goal and assisting on three others in a 4-2 victory over Springfield on Oct. 16. Adam ran his goal-scoring streak to three games with markers at Bridgeport on Oct. 17 and vs. Manchester on Oct. 19, and had a goal and two assists as part of a 6-5 win at Norfolk on Oct. 29. Adam also earned two recalls to Buffalo during the month, making his NHL debut with the Sabres at Philadelphia on Oct. 26.
In recognition of his achievement, Adam will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Pirates home game.
Adam, a 20-year-old native of St. John’s, N.L., finished October at or near the top of the AHL’s rookie leaderboard in goals (2nd), assists (T-1st), points (1st) and plus/minus (T-1st). He was a second-round draft choice (44th overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in 2008, and made his pro debut with the Pirates during the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs, notching two assists in three games. Adam recorded 49 goals and 41 assists for 90 points in 56 games and was a First Team QMJHL all-star in his final junior season with Cape Breton in 2009-10.
Other nominees for Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month include Abbotsford left wing Carter Bancks, Binghamton right wing Bobby Butler, Bridgeport center David Ullstrom, Chicago goaltender Edward Pasquale, Grand Rapids defenseman Brendan Smith, Hamilton defenseman Brendon Nash, Houston center Joel Broda, Lake Erie center Mark Olver, Manchester right wing Brandon Kozun, Manitoba defenseman Kevin Connauton, Milwaukee center Blake Geoffrion, Peoria center Phil McRae, Rochester defenseman Colby Robak, Rockford center Brandon Pirri, San Antonio defenseman Michael Stone, Syracuse right wing Kyle Palmieri, Texas forward Tristan King, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defenseman Carl Sneep and Worcester defenseman Justin Braun.
