SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Toronto Marlies center Tim Stapleton has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 1, 2009. Stapleton recorded three goals and two assists for five points in two games for the Marlies last week.
On Friday night vs. Hamilton, Stapleton registered his first two-goal game, including his second game-winning goal of the season, to help Toronto to a 4-2 victory over the Bulldogs. And Saturday, he tallied a goal and an assist along with a game-high 10 shots on goal in a 6-3 loss to Rockford.
In recognition of his achievement, Stapleton will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Marlies home game.
Stapleton leads Toronto with 32 assists and 41 points in 42 games this season, his first as a pro in North America after spending the past two years in Finland. A native of La Grange, Ill., Stapleton played four seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth (2002-06) and signed as a free agent with the Toronto Maple Leafs on June 6, 2008.
Other nominees for Reebok/AHL Player of the Week include Albany right wing Ryan Weston, Bridgeport center Tyler Haskins, Chicago defenseman Grant Lewis, Grand Rapids left wing Ryan Oulahen, Hartford goaltender Matt Zaba, Hershey left wing Chris Bourque, Iowa center Ajay Baines, Lake Erie goaltender Tyler Weiman, Milwaukee left wing Kelsey Wilson, Norfolk left wing Justin Keller, Peoria center Julian Talbot, Philadelphia right wing Josh Beaulieu, Portland forward Colton Fretter, Providence right wing Mikko Lehtonen, Quad City center Jamie Lundmark, Rochester left wing Ross Carlson, Rockford left wing Mike Radja, San Antonio forward Chad Kolarik, Syracuse goaltender Dan LaCosta, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton goaltender John Curry and Worcester center Steven Zalewski.
