Justin Kurtz named AHL Player of the Week

Published on February 5, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


Today the American Hockey League announced that Manitoba Moose defenceman Justin Kurtz has been named the Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 2, 2003. In four games, Kurtz scored four goals (two game-winners), added three assists for seven points to propel the club to three wins over the week's action.

The Winnipeg, MB native started the week with a game-winner and assist for third star honours in the 4-3 win over the Chicago Wolves on Jan. 28. He notched a goal on Jan. 29 versus Chicago and added an assist on Jan. 31 against the Hamilton Bulldogs. In the rematch with the AHL-leading Bulldogs, Kurtz responded with three points (two goals, one the game-winner, and an assist) in the thrilling 3-2 overtime road win. The 6'0" blueliner extended his point streak to four games and moved into third place in Moose scoring with 29 points (eight goals, 21 assists).

This was the first time a Moose player was selected for Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week honours during the 2002-03 season. Overall, this is the third Moose player to be named AHL Player of the Week. Steve Kariya was the first (week ending Oct. 14/02) and goaltender Alex Auld selected for the week ending Dec. 30/02.

In recognition of winning the Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week, Kurtz will receive a leather jacket, presented to him during an on-ice ceremony prior to an upcoming game. In addition, Sher-Wood will donate five travel bags to the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC) in Kurtz's name.

The 26 year-old defenceman is playing in his fifth year with the Moose. Kurtz was originally drafted by the Winnipeg Jets with their fifth choice, 84th overall, in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to the draft, the former Brandon Wheat King star made two appearances in the Memorial Cup. He was signed as a free agent by Manitoba in the 1998-99 season and was named the team's Community Service Award winner in the 2000-01 campaign. Last season, the offensive-minded defenceman split the season with Manitoba and made his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks. Kurtz played in 27 NHL games and registered eight points (three goals, five assists) with 14 penalty minutes.

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