Eller grabs top rookie honor for March

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Peoria Rivermen center Lars Eller has been named the Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month for March. In 14 games, Eller registered seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points to go with a plus-9 rating for the Rivermen.

Eller began March with a six-game scoring streak, including goals in four straight games from Mar. 4-9. He matched a personal best with three points in a 3-1 victory over Lake Erie on Mar. 6, and tallied three assists as part of a 6-5 overtime win at San Antonio on Mar. 17. Eller scored the game-winning goal on Mar. 24 vs. Chicago, and notched a goal and two assists in a 5-4 shootout win over Houston on Mar. 28.

In recognition of his achievement, Eller will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Rivermen home game.

A 20-year-old native of Rodovre, Denmark, Eller is tied for second in scoring among AHL rookies with 53 points (16 goals, 37 assists) in 66 games for Peoria this season. Eller, who was a first-round draft choice (13th overall) by St. Louis in 2007, has also appeared in five games with the Blues and scored a goal in his NHL debut on Nov. 5, 2009. Eller represented the Rivermen at the 2010 Time Warner Cable AHL All-Star Classic back in January.

Other nominees for Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month include Adirondack defenseman Joonas Lehtivuori, Albany left wing Chris Terry, Chicago left wing Andrew Kozek, Hamilton defenseman P.K. Subban, Houston defenseman Ryan Gunderson, Lake Erie left wing Ryan Stoa, Manchester left wing Dwight King, Manitoba center Jordan Schroeder, Norfolk center Dana Tyrell, Portland center Tyler Ennis, Rochester left wing Evgeny Dadonov, Rockford defenseman Brian Connelly, San Antonio center MacGregor Sharp, Texas center Travis Morin and Worcester left wing John McCarthy.