SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Providence Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 19, 2008. Boychuk recorded one goal and six assists for seven points to go with a plus-3 rating in three games for the Bruins, who improved to 4-0-1-0 on the season.
Boychuk began the week by dishing out three assists in Providence’s 6-3 win over Springfield on Friday night. He came back with a goal and an assist in the third period of an eventual 3-2 overtime loss at Worcester on Saturday, and capped a busy weekend with two more helpers in Sunday’s 4-1 victory in Portland.
In recognition of his achievement, Boychuk will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Bruins home game.
A second-round draft choice by Colorado in 2002, Boychuk is tied for second in the AHL in scoring with 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in five games on the young season. In 299 career AHL games with Providence, Lake Erie, Albany, Lowell and Hershey, the 24-year-old Edmonton native has totaled 29 goals and 83 assists for 111 points. Boychuk made his NHL debut last season with the Avalanche, appearing in four games. He was acquired by Boston in a trade from Colorado on June 24, 2008.
Other nominees for Reebok/AHL Player of the Week include Albany right wing Jakub Petruzalek, Binghamton center Zack Smith, Bridgeport center Mike Iggulden, Chicago goaltender Ondrej Pavelec, Grand Rapids right wing Darren Haydar, Hamilton goaltender Marc Denis, Hershey center Keith Aucoin, Houston left wing Corey Locke, Iowa left wing Josh Green, Lowell defenseman Tyler Eckford, Manchester center Gabe Gauthier, Manitoba left wing Matt Pettinger, Milwaukee left wing Antti Pihlstrom, Norfolk center Paul Szczechura, Portland center Nathan Gerbe, Quad City goaltender Matt Keetley, Rochester center David Brine, Rockford right wing Troy Brouwer, Syracuse center Craig MacDonald, Toronto center Kris Newbury, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton left wing Chris Minard and Worcester left wing Jamie McGinn.
