SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Lehigh Valley Phantoms right wing Colin McDonald has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Jan. 31, 2016.
McDonald erupted for six goals and four assists for 10 points in four games last week to help the Phantoms to four consecutive victories.
Last Monday night, McDonald started the week with a goal and an assist in Lehigh Valley’s 6-5 shootout win at Hershey. On Wednesday, McDonald tallied the third hat trick of his AHL career and set a personal high with five points as the Phantoms defeated Binghamton, 6-3. He picked up an assist in Friday’s 4-3 overtime win vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and hit the All-Star break with a two-goal effort in a 5-3 decision at Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.
The Phantoms captain, who entered last week with seven points in 23 games for Lehigh Valley, now has nine goals and eight assists for 17 points in 27 AHL contests this season, his ninth professional campaign. McDonald, a two-time AHL All-Star and a former second-round draft pick by the Edmonton Oilers, has compiled 119 goals and 135 assists for 254 points in 476 career games in the AHL, as well as 19 goals and 26 assists for 45 points in 145 NHL contests — including one goal in five games with Philadelphia this season.
In recognition of his achievement, McDonald will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Phantoms home game.
