Giroux Named Reebok Edge/AHL Rookie of the Month

Published on January 2, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Phantoms and the American Hockey League announced today that Phantoms right wing Claude Giroux has been named the Reebok Edge/AHL Rookie of the Month for December. Giroux recorded eight goals, six assists and a plus-12 rating in eight games for the Phantoms last month. He becomes just the fourth player in Phantoms history so honored, joining R.J. Umberger (November 2004), Maxime Ouellet (November 2001) and Jean-Marc Pelletier (November 1998) in earning the monthly award.

Giroux began the month by scoring the winning goal and adding two assists in Philadelphia's 6-3 win over Hartford on Dec. 5. He then began a six-game goal-scoring streak by finding the net twice in a 4-1 win at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Dec. 7. Giroux had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win at Springfield on Dec. 12 and potted the game-winner in a 2-1 victory over Wilkes-Barre on Dec. 14, then tallied a goal and an assist each in three consecutive contests.

Giroux, 20, was a first-round pick (22nd overall) by Philadelphia in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. The native of Hearst, Ont., leads all AHL rookies with 33 points and is tied for first among rookies with 17 goals in 31 games for the Phantoms this season. Giroux was recalled by the Flyers on Dec. 26 and earned his first career NHL point (an assist) on Dec. 30 at Vancouver.

Giroux was a three-time 100-point scorer with Gatineau in the QMJHL and led the Olympiques to the league championship in 2008, earning playoff MVP honors. Giroux was also won a gold medal with Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships.

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

Through a new partnership with Babies 'R Us, all kids tickets for all Phantoms games are just $5 for the rest of the season. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of this great value to experience all the Wachovia Spectrum has to offer as the Phantoms play the final season of hockey in the historic building. Those who grew up watching the Flyers, Sixers, various concerts, and other events in the Spectrum have a tremendous final opportunity to give their kids a similar experience between now and the final regular season game on Sunday, April 12.

Tickets for all 2008-09 regular season games are available by calling 1-800-298-4200 or visiting phantomshockey.com.



American Hockey League Stories from January 2, 2009


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