Kennedy named CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Wilkes-Barre/Scranton center Tyler Kennedy has been named the CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending January 7, 2007.

Kennedy tallied three goals and seven points, including a five-point night, in two games on the week for the Penguins.

The rookie center began the New Year for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton registering a goal and an assist in a 6-5 loss at home against Grand Rapids on Jan. 5. He followed up his performance on Friday by recording a pair of goals and three assists for five points, tying the team record for most points in a game, in the Penguins’ 8-4 win over division rival Hershey on Saturday.

In recognition of his achievement, Kennedy will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Wilkes-Barre/Scranton home game.

Selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, the native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has tallied six multiple-point games in his last 11 contests and leads the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins with 20 assists while being tied for seventh among all rookies in scoring with 30 points. Prior to turning professional, the 20-year-old spent four years with Sault Ste. Marie in the Ontario Hockey League where he led the Greyhounds in scoring with 70 points in 2005-06.

Other nominees for CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week include Albany right wing Shane Willis, Bridgeport right wing Peter Ferraro, Chicago defenseman Nathan Oystrick, Grand Rapids center Matt Ellis, Hartford left wing Nigel Dawes, Hershey defenseman Deryk Engelland, Houston defenseman Erik Reitz, Manchester goaltender Jason LaBarbera, Manitoba forward Brad Moran, Norfolk goaltender Corey Crawford, Peoria left wing Charles Linglet, Philadelphia right wing Darren Reid, Providence left wing T.J. Trevelyan, Rochester right wing Drew Stafford, San Antonio goaltender Josh Tordjman, Syracuse left wing Joakim Lindstrom and Toronto left wing Colin Murphy.