Ashton named Rookie of the Month

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Norfolk Admirals right wing Carter Ashton has been named the Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month for October. Ashton scored a league-leading nine goals and paced all AHL rookies with 13 points in 10 games for Norfolk as the Admirals raced out to a 7-2-0-1 start.

Ashton began his first full professional season with a two-goal effort, including the overtime winner, in a 6-5 victory over Charlotte on Oct. 7. He notched a goal and an assist each on Oct. 8 vs. Charlotte and Oct. 21 vs. Binghamton, and authored four multiple-point performances among his first five games of the season. Ashton then scored a goal in four straight games to finish October, netting markers on Oct. 23 at Charlotte, Oct. 26 at Adirondack, Oct. 28 at Providence and Oct. 29 at Syracuse.

Selected by Tampa Bay in the first round (29th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Ashton was also named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 9. The 20-year-old native of Winnipeg, Man., made his pro debut with Norfolk late in the 2009-10 season, recording one goal in 11 games, and also appeared in two Calder Cup Playoff games in 2011. Ashton, who played his junior hockey in the WHL, is the son of former NHL and AHL forward Brent Ashton.

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