Devils’ Whitney grabs weekly honor

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Albany Devils left wing Joe Whitney has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Jan. 4, 2015. 

Whitney tallied two goals and three assists for five points in two games for Albany last week while also achieving a National Hockey League milestone. 

Recalled by New Jersey last Monday, Whitney made his season debut with the parent Devils that night vs. Pittsburgh and then scored a goal for his first career NHL point on Wednesday evening at Detroit, earning third star honors for the game. Back in the AHL on Saturday, Whitney recorded a goal and two assists to help Albany to a 7-4 win at Bridgeport, and added a goal and an assist in Sunday’s rematch. 

Whitney, who was the Devils’ leading scorer each of the previous three seasons, ranks sixth in the AHL with 32 points (13 goals, 19 assists) in 32 games for Albany in 2014-15, leading the club in assists and points while tying for the team lead in power-play goals (five) and game-winners (three). In his fourth pro campaign after three years at Boston College, Whitney, a native of Reading, Mass., skated in the AHL All-Star Classic in 2014 and has totaled 76 goals and 105 assists for 181 points in 244 career AHL contests. He has also appeared in three NHL games with New Jersey. 

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

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