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The American Hockey League announced today that Bridgeport Sound Tigers goaltender Dieter Kochan has been named the CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending February 20, 2005. Kochan stopped 102 of 105 shots and won each of his three starts for the Sound Tigers last week.
Coming out of the All-Star break, Kochan led the Sound Tigers into the Broome County Arena on Thursday night and shined with 45 saves, earning his first shutout of the season with a 3-0 victory over division-leading Binghamton. On Friday, Bridgeport hit the ice at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., and Kochan stopped 31 shots to lead the Sound Tigers past Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 3-2. Finally, Kochan made 26 saves as Bridgeport beat Worcester on Sunday, 4-1, finishing the week with a 3-0-0 record, a 1.00 goals-against average and a .971 save percentage.
In recognition of his achievement, Kochan will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Sound Tigers home game.
Kochan, in his second season with Bridgeport, has improved to 11-11-0 on the year. He shared the Harry “Hap” Holmes Award for team goaltending with Wade Dubielewicz in 2004, and was a member of the Houston Aeros’ Calder Cup championship team in 2003. Kochan now has a record of 68-55-11 with 11 shutouts in 140 career AHL appearances.
Other nominees for CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week include Albany left wing Ahren Nittel, Binghamton forward Brandon Bochenski, Chicago center Lonny Bohonos, Cincinnati goaltender Frederic Cassivi, Cleveland center Grant Stevenson, Edmonton forward Mike Bishai, Hartford goaltender Jason LaBarbera, Hershey center Eric Perrin, Houston right wing Kirby Law, Manchester center Mike Cammalleri, Norfolk defenseman Duncan Keith, Philadelphia goaltender Antero Niittymaki, Portland center Brian Sutherby, Rochester forward Jason Pominville, San Antonio goaltender Travis Scott, Springfield goaltender Brian Eklund, Syracuse right wing Tim Jackman and Utah goaltender Jamie Storr.
