Granlund named Rookie of the Month

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Houston Aeros center Mikael Granlund has been selected as the CCM/AHL Rookie of the Month for October.

Granlund tallied three goals and seven assists for 10 points, along with a plus-5 rating, in seven games for Houston last month.

After being held scoreless in his AHL debut on Oct. 13, Granlund strung together a six-game scoring streak, beginning with an assist on Oct. 14 at San Antonio for his first career point. He recorded another assist on Oct. 19 vs. Texas, then erupted for a four-point night with two goals and two assists in a 5-3 win at Texas on Oct. 20. Granlund scored a power-play goal and registered a game-high six shots in a 6-4 win at Oklahoma City on Oct. 26, and finished the month with two assists in the Aeros’ 4-0 win over Milwaukee on Oct. 27.

A first-round draft pick (ninth overall) by the Minnesota Wild in 2010, the 20-year-old Granlund spent the last three seasons with HIFK Helsinki in Finland’s SM-liiga and helped the club win the league championship in 2011. Granlund also won a gold medal with Finland at the 2011 World Championships, and earned a spot on the tournament all-star team at the 2012 World Junior Championships.

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

Also see: Past winners, AHL Rookie of the Month