Kopecky February's Top Rookie
Published on March 4, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL) News Release
SPRINGFIELD, MA ... The American Hockey League announced today that Grand Rapids Griffins right wing Tomas Kopecky has been named the AHL Rookie of the Month for February. In 11 games, Kopecky recorded four goals and nine assists for 13 points, along with a plus-10 rating, helping the Griffins solidify their hold on first place in the Central Division standings.
With Kopecky in the lineup, Grand Rapids posted a record of 8-2-1-0 during the month of February, beginning with a 3-2 win in Utah on Feb. 5, as Kopecky celebrated his 21st birthday with a goal. The native of Ilava, Slovakia, scored again on Feb. 8 against Chicago, then finished the month with a six-game scoring streak, including a three-assist effort on Feb. 14 against Cincinnati and a goal and an assist each on Feb. 21 vs. Cleveland and Feb. 26 at Chicago.
A second-round pick by the Detroit Red Wings (38th overall) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Kopecky has recorded 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points in 58 games with Grand Rapids, and his plus-23 rating on the season ranks second among all AHL rookies. Kopecky played the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons with Lethbridge (WHL), while also skating in three regular-season and two Calder Cup Playoff games with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks.
Other players nominated for AHL Rookie of the Month for February include Bridgeport center Jeff Hamilton, Chicago center Mark Hartigan, Cincinnati defenseman Mark Popovic, Cleveland left wing Pat Rissmiller, Hartford left wing Garth Murray, Lowell left wing Damian Surma, Milwaukee right wing Darren Haydar, Providence right wing Martin Samuelsson, Rochester center Paul Gaustad, San Antonio defenseman Filip Novak, St. John's center Brad Boyes and Syracuse goaltender Pascal Leclaire.
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