Ryan named CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass.
… The American Hockey League announced today that Rochester Americans left wing Michael Ryan has been named the CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending January 28, 2007. Ryan picked up four goals and three assists for seven points in three games for the Americans, who continue to own the best record in the AHL’s Western Conference.

Ryan scored a goal and added two assists in Rochester’s 5-4 win over Grand Rapids on Wednesday night, then came back with another goal and an assist as the Americans beat the Griffins on Friday, 5-1. Ryan broke out the dramatics on Saturday, scoring the tying goal with 45 seconds left in regulation and the winner 50 seconds into overtime as Rochester got past Binghamton, 4-3.

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

A second-round pick (32nd overall) by the Dallas Stars in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Ryan is in his fourth season in Rochester and has 13 goals and 16 assists in 29 points in 33 games for the Americans in 2006-07. The Boston native has recorded 100 points (41g, 59a) in 193 career AHL games with Rochester, and made his National Hockey League debut earlier this season with the Buffalo Sabres, appearing in three games.

Other nominees for CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week include Albany defenseman Jeff Finger, Bridgeport goaltender Wade Dubielewicz, Chicago goaltender Fred Brathwaite, Grand Rapids center Kip Miller, Hamilton forward Andrei Kostitsyn, Hartford right wing Ryan Callahan, Houston right wing Matt Foy, Manchester left wing Noah Clarke, Manitoba goaltender Julien Ellis, Philadelphia goaltender Michael Leighton, Portland center Geoff Peters, Providence center Ben Walter, Syracuse defenseman Jamie Pushor, Toronto center Erik Westrum and Worcester goaltender Dimitri Patzold.

Also see: Previous winners, CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week