SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Springfield Falcons forward Ryan Vesce has been named the Rbk Hockey/AHL Rookie of the Month for April. In nine games on the month, Vesce recorded three goals and nine assists for 12 points.
Vesce, a 2006 AHL All-Star, extended his scoring streak to a personal-best seven games at the start of the month. Highlighting April were Vesce’s efforts in a home-and-home sweep of Manchester: Vesce had a goal and two assists in a 6-3 road win on Apr. 5, then celebrated his 24th birthday two nights later with another goal and two assists in a 7-4 victory over the Monarchs. He finished his rookie season with two assists on Apr. 15 vs. Portland, making him the Falcons’ leading scorer for 2005-06.
Vesce will receive an etched crystal award prior in recognition of his achievement.
A product of Cornell University and a native of Lloyd Harbor, N.Y., Vesce finished his rookie year with 18 goals and 49 assists for 67 points and was the only member of the Falcons to play in all 80 games.
Other nominees for Rbk Hockey/AHL Rookie of the Month include Bridgeport center Peter Tsimikalis, Cleveland center Josh Hennessy, Grand Rapids defenseman Kyle Quincey, Hamilton center Francis Lemieux, Hershey defenseman Mike Green, Houston left wing Patrick O’Sullivan, Iowa left wing Loui Eriksson, Norfolk forward Martin St. Pierre, Peoria right wing David Backes, Philadelphia forward Stefan Ruzicka, Providence center Tyler Redenbach, San Antonio forward Daniel Winnik, Syracuse center Geoff Platt and Toronto defenseman Steve Chabbert.
