Stars’ Eriksson named top rookie for March

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Iowa Stars left wing Loui Eriksson has been named the Rbk Hockey/AHL Rookie of the Month for March. In 14 games on the month, Eriksson recorded six goals and 11 assists for 17 points, along with a plus-15 rating, as the Stars continued to make a push towards qualifying for the 2006 Calder Cup Playoffs.

Eriksson’s play at both ends of the ice helped Iowa to a record of 9-3-0-2 during March. He recorded a point in 11 of his 14 games, and was even or better in 12 of the 14. Eriksson recorded five multiple-point games on the month, including back-to-back two-point efforts on Mar. 15 and Mar. 17, and a three-assist evening in a 3-1 win over San Antonio on Mar. 28.

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

A second-round draft pick by the Dallas Stars in 2003, Eriksson has continued his stellar play into April, and now has 25 goals and 26 assists for 51 points in 71 games for Iowa this year. The 20-year-old native of Goteborg, Sweden, leads the Stars in goals and plus/minus rating (+16) ranks third on the team in assists and points.

Other nominees for Rbk Hockey/AHL Rookie of the Month include Albany center Nicklas Bergfors, Binghamton goaltender Kelly Guard, Bridgeport center Evgeny Tunik, Chicago right wing Pat Dwyer, Grand Rapids goaltender Jimmy Howard, Hartford left wing Nigel Dawes, Hershey forward Chris Bourque, Houston left wing Patrick O’Sullivan, Lowell goaltender Tyler Weiman, Milwaukee left wing Chris Durno, Norfolk forward Martin St. Pierre, Philadelphia goaltender Martin Houle, Providence right wing David Lundbohm, Rochester left wing Clarke MacArthur, Syracuse center Geoff Platt, Toronto center John Mitchell and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton forward Jonathan Filewich.