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The American Hockey League announced today that Philadelphia Phantoms center R.J. Umberger has been named the Reebok AHL Rookie of the Month for November. Umberger recorded eight goals and six assists for 14 points in 14 games, helping the Phantoms to a 13-1-0-0 record.
Umberger was a model of consistency in November, registering at least one point in 11 of Philadelphia’s 14 contests. He led the club with eight goals and tied for the team lead with 14 points, including his first professional goal on Nov. 7 against Cincinnati. Umberger netted the winning goal on Nov. 13 at Binghamton, and put together a four-game goal-scoring streak from Nov. 19-24. He was even or better 12 times on the month, finishing with a plus-6 rating for November.
In recognition of his achievement, Umberger will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Phantoms home game.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., the 22-year-old Umberger was a first-round draft pick (16th overall) by Vancouver in 2001. A former conference Rookie of the Year and NCAA All-American at Ohio State University, Umberger is currently tied for second in the AHL in rookie scoring with 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in 20 games for the Phantoms.
Other nominees for Reebok AHL Rookie of the Month include Albany right wing Aaron Voros, Binghamton left wing Brandon Bochenski, Bridgeport defenseman Bruno Gervais, Chicago defenseman Brian Sipotz, Cincinnati defenseman Aaron Rome, Cleveland right wing Shane Joseph, Edmonton goaltender Jeff Deslauriers, Grand Rapids center Eric Himelfarb, Houston goaltender Josh Harding, Lowell goaltender Brent Krahn, Manchester center Matt Ryan, Norfolk left wing Rene Bourque, Portland center Jakub Klepis, San Antonio center Kamil Kreps, Springfield right wing Darren Reid, Syracuse left wing Greg Mauldin and Utah left wing Randall Gelech.
