SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Rockford IceHogs left wing Pascal Pelletier has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Nov. 30, 2008. Pelletier scored six goals and added one assist for seven points in three games as Rockford earned five of a possible six standings points to stay in the thick of the West Division race.
On Wednesday, Pelletier needed just 10 minutes and 42 seconds to post his second career AHL hat trick, and then added his fourth goal of the night early in the third period of a 6-1 win over San Antonio. On Friday, he notched the game-tying goal late in the third as Rockford rallied to earn a point in a 5-4 shootout loss at Peoria. And Saturday, Pelletier scored once more and chipped in an assist as the IceHogs downed the Rivermen, 5-2, in the back end of a home-and-home set.
In recognition of his achievement, Pelletier will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming IceHogs home game.
Pelletier is tied for fifth in the AHL with 13 goals and has dished out eight assists for 21 points in 21 games this season for Rockford. The 25-year-old native of Labrador City, N.L., was named a First Team AHL All-Star in 2007-08 after recording 37 goals and 75 points in 73 games with Providence. In 227 career AHL games, Pelletier has registered 84 goals and 107 assists for 191 points. He was acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks on July 24, 2008, in a trade with the Boston Bruins for Martin St. Pierre.
Other nominees for Reebok/AHL Player of the Week include Albany left wing Michael Ryan, Binghamton left wing Denis Hamel, Bridgeport center Ben Walter, Chicago left wing Brett Sterling, Grand Rapids goaltender Daniel Larsson, Hershey center Alexandre Giroux, Houston left wing Krys Kolanos, Iowa center Andrew Ebbett, Lake Erie center Marty Sertich, Lowell goaltender Jeff Frazee, Manchester right wing Teddy Purcell, Manitoba center Mario Bliznak, Milwaukee center Mike Santorelli, Norfolk right wing Brandon Bochenski, Peoria forward Josh Soares, Philadelphia center Darroll Powe, Providence goaltender Tuukka Rask, Quad City left wing Kyle Greentree, Rochester right wing Michal Repik, San Antonio left wing Jeff Hoggan, Syracuse center Derek MacKenzie, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton left wing Luca Caputi and Worcester right wing Ryan Vesce.
Also see: Previous winners, Reebok/AHL Player of the Week
