SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins center Tyler Kennedy has been named the Rbk/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending October 7, 2007. Kennedy recorded three goals and two assists for five points over the Penguins’ first three games of the 2007-08 season.
Kennedy, who missed most of the final three months of last season due to injury, began the year with a goal and two assists to help the Penguins to a 5-4 opening-night win over Hershey on Wednesday. He came back with two more goals in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Syracuse, earning first-star honors. Kennedy scored the decisive goal in both Wilkes-Barre/Scranton victories, the first two game-winners of his career.
In recognition of his achievement, Kennedy will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Penguins home game.
A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Kennedy leads the AHL in scoring through the first week of the season. The 21-year-old forward recorded 12 goals and 25 assists for 37 points in 40 games as a rookie for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2006-07. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2004 (fourth round).
Other nominees for Rbk/AHL Player of the Week include Albany goaltender Michael Leighton, Binghamton center Ilya Zubov, Bridgeport right wing Tim Jackman, Chicago right wing Jesse Schultz, Grand Rapids center Ryan Oulahen, Hartford left wing Jordan Owens, Houston defenseman Erik Reitz, Manchester center Gabe Gauthier, Peoria right wing Martin Kariya, Philadelphia goaltender Brian Boucher, Portland center Andrew Ebbett, Providence center Matt Hendricks, Quad City forward Dan Ryder, Rochester forward Anthony Stewart, Rockford center David Bolland, San Antonio forward Bill Thomas, Syracuse center Derek MacKenzie, Toronto goaltender Scott Clemmensen and Worcester right wing Graham Mink.
