Sharks’ Kennedy named week’s best

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Worcester Sharks center Tim Kennedy has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Dec. 2, 2012.

Kennedy scored five goals (plus one shootout goal) and posted a plus-5 rating in three road games to help the Sharks regain first place in the AHL’s Atlantic Division.

On Friday night in Portland, Kennedy notched his first multi-goal game of the season, scoring twice in a 4-3 loss to the Pirates. He came back with two more goals on Saturday night in Bridgeport, and also scored in the shootout to help clinch the Sharks’ 4-3 win over the Sound Tigers. And on Sunday in Providence, Kennedy scored the game-tying goal in regulation as Worcester went on to a 3-2 shootout win over the Bruins.

In 21 games for Worcester this season, Kennedy is tied for third in the AHL in scoring with 23 points and tied for fifth with 11 goals. He finished the week riding a six-game scoring streak (6-5-11).

A Buffalo, N.Y., native, Kennedy is in his fifth professional season after originally being drafted by Washington in 2005. He was an AHL All-Rookie Team selection in 2008-09 when he notched 67 points in 73 games for Portland, and has registered 179 points (54 goals, 125 assists) in 214 career AHL games. Kennedy has also appeared in 112 career NHL games with Buffalo and Florida, totaling 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points.

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

Also see: Past winners, AHL Player of the Week