Phantoms Saad and Lundholm Named All-North Division
Published on April 7, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
FRISCO, TX (Tuesday, April 7th, 2009) - Mahoning Valley Phantoms forward Brandon Saad and defenseman Cullen Lundholm have been named to the North American Hockey League's All-North Division Team following their breakout performances during the 2008-2009 season.
Saad, a first-year forward from Gibsonia, PA, racked up 29 goals and 18 assists in 47 games in the regular season with a plus-21 rating on the ice. His goals comprised nine power play scores, three shorthanded markers and four game-winners.
He also tallied two hat tricks on the year.
"To be ranked at the top of any division is a great honor," says Saad, "but with all the other great teams and players in the North Division it makes this award even better.
"It really proves that hard work pays off."
In addition to his numbers, he was also selected to play for Team USA at the 2009 World Under-17 Challenge in Port Alberni, BC, where he helped the red, white and blue to a bronze medal. Saad led all preliminary round scorers with five goals and four assists and was named first-team all-tournament.
He was also chosen Sherwood NAHL North Division Player of the Week on three separate occasions.
On the blue line, Lundholm picks up the All-North honor after rolling up a prolific offensive season for Mahoning Valley.
Acquired in a preseason trade with the St. Louis Bandits, Lundholm finished third amongst NAHL defensemen with 33 points on 8 goals and 25 assists to go with a plus-nine rating.
"It's a good award to receive," says the Robert Morris recruit, "we play in a tough division with a lot of great players, so it means a lot to be named All-Division."
The All-North nod is the second divisional distinction Lundholm has secured this season following his selection to the North Division Top Prospects roster for the 2009 Top Prospects Tournament.
The All-Divisional teams were voted on by NAHL coaches and general managers.
The league will be announcing its All-Rookie Team, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Organization of the year awards during the first two rounds of the playoffs.
The All-NAHL Team, Goaltender of the Year, Forward of the Year, Defenseman of the Year and League MVP awards will be handed out at the Robertson Cup Championship Banquet on April 27th.
The Phantoms will return to playoff action for Game Three of the North Division Semifinals against the Traverse City North Stars at Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City on Thursday at 7:05 PM. Game Four will be Friday at Centre ICE, also at 7:05.
Both games will be broadcast locally on ESPN Radio 1240, WBBW-AM, and worldwide at MVPPhantoms.com via B2 Networks. The pregame show will begin at 6:50 PM each night.
All Phantoms merchandise is on sale for 40% off at the Phantoms Team Shop at both the Chevrolet Centre and the Ice Zone while the Phantoms are in the playoffs. Call (330) 965-7500 for more information.
North American Hockey League Stories from April 7, 2009
- Canada, Finland Win at IIHF U18 World Championship Pre-Tournament Camp - U.S. National Team
- Phantoms Saad and Lundholm Named All-North Division - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Alexandria Travel Information - Bismarck Bobcats
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