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The American Hockey League announced today that Worcester IceCats defenseman Dennis Wideman has been named the Reebok AHL Rookie of the Month for October. Wideman registered two goals, six assists and a plus-5 rating in his first seven professional games to help the IceCats to a 5-2-0-0 start to the 2004-05 season.
Wideman made his professional debut on Oct. 15 and earned an assist. A night later, in the IceCats’ home opener, Wideman exploded for five points, netting two power-play goals and adding three assists while helping Worcester to a 7-2 victory over Springfield. On Oct. 23, he added two more assists and a plus-3 rating in another win over the Falcons.
In recognition of his achievement, Wideman will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming IceCats home game.
A native of Kitchener, Ont., the 21-year-old Wideman was a 2002 draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres, and signed with St. Louis as a free agent on June 30, 2004. He played five junior seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, and was an OHL First Team All-Star last season. Wideman is one point off the AHL scoring lead among rookies while leading first-year players in assists (six) and plus/minus rating (+5).
Other nominees for Reebok AHL Rookie of the Month include Albany right wing Aaron Voros, Binghamton left wing Brandon Bochenski, Bridgeport defenseman Chris Campoli, Chicago left wing Colin Stuart, Cleveland left wing Scott Dobben, Edmonton goaltender Jeff Deslauriers, Grand Rapids center Eric Himelfarb, Hamilton goaltender Yann Danis, Hershey defenseman Johnny Boychuk, Houston right wing Junior Lessard, Lowell left wing Justin Taylor, Manchester right wing Petr Kanko, Manitoba defenseman Kevin Bieksa, Norfolk left wing Rene Bourque, Philadelphia left wing Tony Voce, Portland left wing Tomas Fleischmann, Rochester left wing Daniel Paille, San Antonio center Greg Jacina, Springfield left wing Adam Henrich, Syracuse left wing Greg Mauldin and Utah defenseman Keith Ballard.
