Brassard named AHL’s top rookie for October

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Syracuse Crunch center Derick Brassard has been named the Rbk Edge/AHL Rookie of the Month for October. Brassard registered four goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 12 games during the first month of his professional career.

Brassard had points in each of his first six games of the season, including a goal in his pro debut at Rochester on Oct. 5. He struck for three points with a goal and two assists at Binghamton on Oct. 12, and added a goal and an assist in Syracuse’s home opener vs. Hartford on Oct. 13. Brassard had five multiple-point games on the month, including back-to-back two-assist efforts at Houston (Oct. 30) and at San Antonio (Oct. 31).

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

A 20-year-old native of Hull, Que., Brassard finished October ranked first in the American Hockey League with 12 assists and 16 points. He was the sixth overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets and spent four junior seasons with Drummondville (QMJHL), earning first team league all-star honors in 2005-06 when he recorded 44 goals and 72 assists for 116 points in 58 games.

Other nominees for Rbk Hockey/AHL Rookie of the Month include Albany right wing Jerome Samson, Binghamton defenseman Brian Lee, Chicago left wing Tomas Pospisil, Grand Rapids left wing Johan Ryno, Hamilton right wing Sergei Kostitsyn, Manchester right wing Teddy Purcell, Manitoba defenseman Luc Bourdon, Norfolk goaltender Ryan Munce, Peoria center Julian Talbot, Philadelphia center Jonathan Matsumoto, Providence goaltender Tuukka Rask, Quad City goaltender Matt Keetley, Rockford right wing Evan Brophey, San Antonio right wing Enver Lisin, Springfield left wing Liam Reddox, Toronto defenseman Anton Stralman, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defenseman Kristopher Letang and Worcester forward Nate Raduns.