SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Manchester Monarchs right wing Teddy Purcell has been named the Rbk Edge/AHL Rookie of the Month for November. Purcell recorded five goals and 12 assists for 17 points in 12 games to finish November as the leading scorer in the entire AHL.
Purcell began the month with a two-goal effort at Lowell on Nov. 2, then reeled off five consecutive multiple-point nights from Nov. 4-17, having a hand in 11 of the Monarchs’ 16 goals in those five games. He had a goal and an assist each on Nov. 4 vs. Hartford, Nov. 9 vs. Hartford and Nov. 10 vs. Lowell, and set a personal high with three assists vs. Portland on Nov. 16. Twelve of Purcell’s 17 points in November came with a man advantage as Manchester’s league-leading power-play unit went 16-for-55 (29.1 percent) on the month.
In recognition of his achievement, Purcell will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Monarchs home game.
Purcell, 22, currently leads the American Hockey League with 24 assists and 31 points in 22 games for Manchester this season. The native of St. John’s, Nfld., played the 2006-07 season at the University of Maine, helping the Black Bears advance to the Frozen Four. He recorded 43 points in 40 games at Maine and was the Hockey East Rookie of the Year.
Other nominees for Rbk Edge/AHL Rookie of the Month include Albany goaltender Kevin Nastiuk, Chicago defenseman Grant Lewis, Grand Rapids center Darren Helm, Hartford left wing Brodie Dupont, Hershey center Jay Beagle, Manitoba left wing Mason Raymond, Milwaukee center Mike Santorelli, Norfolk center Chris Lawrence, Philadelphia right wing Steve Downie, Portland right wing Bobby Ryan, Providence goaltender Mike Brown, Quad City center Brett Sutter, Rochester defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani, Rockford right wing Jack Skille, San Antonio center Curtis Fraser and Syracuse right wing Derek Dorsett.
