IceCaps’ O’Dell named Player of the Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that St. John’s IceCaps center Eric O’Dell has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Mar. 17, 2013.

O’Dell struck for three goals, two assists and a plus-3 rating in two games last week, helping the IceCaps to a pair of wins.

On Friday night, O’Dell notched a goal and an assist as St. John’s snapped a six-game winless streak with a 5-0 victory over Hamilton. And in Saturday’s rematch, O’Dell scored two third-period goals and assisted on the game-winner with 27.5 seconds left in regulation as the IceCaps rallied for a 4-3 win over the Bulldogs.

In 45 games for the IceCaps this season, O’Dell leads the team in goals (21), points (38) and plus/minus rating (+7), and also ranks fifth in the AHL in shooting percentage (21.0 percent). A second-round draft choice (39th overall) by Anaheim in 2008, O’Dell is in his second pro season and has totaled 33 goals and 27 assists for 60 points in 87 AHL games. The 22-year-old native of Ottawa, Ont., played four seasons of junior hockey with Sudbury in the Ontario Hockey League.

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

Also see: Past winners, AHL Player of the Week