Mrazek named CCM/AHL Player of the Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Grand Rapids Griffins goaltender Petr Mrazek has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 3, 2013.

Mrazek stopped 53 of 54 shots in two games last week (2-0-0, 0.50, .981) as the Griffins extended their lead atop the Midwest Division.

Mrazek, who began the week representing the Griffins and earning the win in net for the Western Conference during last Monday night’s AHL All-Star Game, made 21 saves on Friday as Grand Rapids hit the road and defeated Hamilton, 5-1. Then on Saturday night, Mrazek posted his first professional shutout, garnering first-star honors with 32 saves in the Griffins’ 1-0 victory over Abbotsford. Mrazek’s impressive week was capped by his first career National Hockey League recall by the parent Detroit Red Wings.

A 2010 draft pick by Detroit, Mrazek owns a record of 16-7-1 in 25 appearances for Grand Rapids this season. He ranks second among rookie goaltenders with a 2.26 goals-against average and third with a .916 save percentage. The 20-year-old native of Ostrava, Czech Republic, played the previous three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with Ottawa and was selected by the IIHF as the outstanding goaltender at the 2012 World Junior Championships.

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

Also see: Past winners, AHL Player of the Week