Sobotka named Player of the Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Providence Bruins center Vladimir Sobotka has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 18, 2009. Sobotka recorded three goals, three assists and a plus-4 rating in two games for the Bruins.

On Oct. 16, Sobotka scored the game-winning goal and added an assist in Providence’s 4-2 victory over Lowell. On Oct. 18, he picked up two goals and two assists and was a plus-3 as the Bruins defeated Portland, 7-2. Sobotka registered eight shots on goal vs. Lowell and six more against Portland, both game highs. Following Sunday afternoon’s game, Sobotka was recalled by the parent Boston Bruins.

In recognition of his achievement, Sobotka will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Bruins home game.

Sobotka, 22, has a point in all six Providence games this season, totaling four goals and six assists. A fourth-round draft choice by Boston in 2005, Sobotka has amassed 34 goals and 40 assists for 74 points in 68 AHL games, while also tallying two goals and 10 assists for 12 points in 73 NHL contests for the parent Bruins. The native of Trebic, Czech Republic, recorded 13 points in 14 playoff games as Providence reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2009.

Other nominees for Reebok/AHL Player of the Week include Abbotsford center Jamie Lundmark, Adirondack goaltender Johan Backlund, Albany goaltender Justin Peters, Binghamton left wing Denis Hamel, Chicago center Matt Anderson, Hamilton right wing Sergei Kostitsyn, Hershey defenseman Patrick McNeill, Lake Erie left wing Ryan Stoa, Lowell center Tim Sestito, Manchester right wing Scott Parse, Manitoba right wing Guillaume Desbiens, Milwaukee defenseman Alexander Sulzer, Norfolk center Ryan Craig, Peoria center Yan Stastny, Portland center Tyler Ennis, Rochester right wing Michal Repik, Rockford center Jake Dowell, San Antonio left wing Brett MacLean, Springfield goaltender Devan Dubnyk, Syracuse left wing Tom Sestito, Texas goaltender Matt Climie, Toronto left wing Ryan Hamilton, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton left wing Ryan Bayda and Worcester center Logan Couture.

Also see: Past winners, AHL Player of the Week