Gagnon named CCM/AHL Player of the Month

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that St. John’s IceCaps center Aaron Gagnon has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Month for March.

Gagnon, who returned to the St. John’s lineup on Feb. 10 after missing six weeks due to injury, hit his stride in March, recording a point in all 11 games he played for the IceCaps – totaling nine goals and nine assists.

After recording single points in each of his first three games on the month, Gagnon recorded his first two-goal game of the season in a 4-2 loss to Syracuse on Mar. 9. He had a goal and an assist in a 5-0 win over Hamilton on Mar. 15, and tied a career high with three assists in a 4-3 victory at Manchester on Mar. 24. Gagnon scored twice, including his third game-winning goal of the month, to help the IceCaps past Albany, 4-2, on Mar. 27, and finished the month with a goal and an assist in a come-from-behind 5-4 overtime win at Worcester on Mar. 30.

Gagnon has compiled 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points in 43 games for St. John’s this season, including 23 points in 18 contests since returning from injury on Feb. 10. His current 12-game scoring streak (10-9-19) is tied for the longest in the AHL this year. Originally drafted by Phoenix in 2004, the 26-year-old native of Quesnel, B.C., has tallied 74 goals and 98 assists for 172 points in 328 career AHL games during his six professional seasons, and reached the Calder Cup Finals with Texas in 2010. He also has two assists in 28 career NHL outings with Dallas and Winnipeg.

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

Also see: Past winners, AHL Player of the Month