Aeros’ Kolanos named Player of the Week

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass.
… The American Hockey League announced today that Houston Aeros left wing Krys Kolanos has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Apr. 12, 2009. Kolanos scored five goals in two games as the Aeros locked up a berth in the 2009 Calder Cup Playoffs.

After returning from the parent Minnesota Wild at the start of the week, Kolanos rejoined the Aeros lineup on Friday and scored both Houston goals, including the game-tying marker with 51 seconds remaining in regulation, in a 3-2 overtime loss to San Antonio. The standings point earned in the game allowed the Aeros to clinch a postseason invitation for the seventh time in eight years since joining the AHL. On Sunday, Kolanos netted a hat trick as Houston secured third place in the West Division with a 6-4 win over the Rampage.

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

A first-round draft pick by Phoenix in 2000, Kolanos finished the 2008-09 season with 31 goals and 20 assists for 51 points in just 45 games with the Aeros, along with three goals and three assists in 21 NHL contests with Minnesota. The Calgary native has totaled 97 goals and 90 assists for 187 points in 199 career AHL games as well as 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) in 136 NHL matches with Minnesota, Edmonton and Phoenix.

Other nominees for Reebok/AHL Player of the Week include Bridgeport right wing Mike Iggulden, Hamilton defenseman Mathieu Carle, Hartford left wing Mark Bell, Iowa center MacGregor Sharp, Lowell left wing Alexander Vasyunov, Manchester right wing Trevor Lewis, Manitoba left wing Michael Grabner, Milwaukee goaltender Drew MacIntyre, Norfolk right wing Brandon Segal, Peoria center Yan Stastny, Philadelphia right wing Rob Sirianni, Portland center Felix Schutz, Quad City left wing Brett Sutter, Rochester center Drew Larman, Rockford center Tyler Mosienko, San Antonio forward Kevin Porter, Syracuse left wing Alexandre Picard, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton left wing Janne Pesonen and Worcester goaltender Thomas Greiss.

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