Kozun named February’s top rookie

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Manchester Monarchs right wing Brandon Kozun has been named the Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month for February. Kozun tallied eight goals and seven assists for 15 points in 13 games for the Atlantic Division leaders last month.

Kozun recorded a point in nine of his last 10 contests in February, including a 5-3 win over Springfield on Feb. 13 in which he scored the game-tying and game-winning goals in the third period. He assisted on the game-winning marker in a 4-3 decision over Bridgeport on Feb. 25, and recorded the first three-point game of his pro career with two goals and an assist as part of a 5-0 win at Bridgeport on Feb. 26.

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

A sixth-round draft choice by Los Angeles in 2009, Kozun ended February tied for third among AHL rookies in goals (19) and points (38) in 56 games played for Manchester. The 21-year-old native of Calgary, Alta., led the Western Hockey League in scoring with 107 points for Calgary in 2009-10, was a two-time WHL First Team All-Star and won a silver medal with Canada at the 2010 World Junior Championships.

Other nominees for Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month include Bridgeport center David Ullstrom, Charlotte goaltender Mike Murphy, Chicago center Ryan Garbutt, Grand Rapids goaltender Jordan Pearce, Lake Erie center Mark Olver, Manitoba goaltender Eddie Lack, Milwaukee defenseman Roman Josi, Norfolk defenseman Mark Barberio, Peoria defenseman Ian Cole, Portland center Luke Adam, Rochester left wing Eric Selleck, Rockford left wing Kyle Beach, San Antonio defenseman Michael Stone, Syracuse right wing Kyle Palmieri, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton forward Ben Street and Worcester defenseman Matt Irwin.