Saad Secures Player of the Week Nod
Published on January 12, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
FRISCO, TX (Monday, January 12th, 2009)- Mahoning Valley Phantoms forward Brandon Saad continued his streak of hot play with a three-goal, one assist weekend against Motor City and Team USA this past weekend, earning him the Sherwood NAHL North Division player of the Week Award on Monday.
It is the first time this year that Saad has been named North Division Player of the Week; he was named honorable mention for the award on November 24th.
The Phantoms' leading goal-scorer says he's excited to pick up his first piece of league hardware.
"It feels pretty good, it's my first award with the team," says Saad, "but the important thing is that the team is doing well and got a couple big wins under our belts this weekend."
Saad opened the three-game weekend with a two-goal night-including the game-winner-against the visiting Machine at the Chevrolet Centre on Friday in the Phantoms' 5-3 win.
He followed up that effort with another goal on Saturday as the Phantoms swept Motor City with a 6-3 victory, giving him 15 on the season.
Also in Saturday's game, he was joined in the goals column by his brother, George. It was the first time this season the Saads both scored a goal in the same game.
Brandon capped the weekend with an assist on Brad Smith's second goal of the year in Sunday's contest against the US National Team.
The award keeps the honors coming for Saad, who was named first-team all-tournament at the annual World Under-17 Challenge last week after leading the preliminary round in scoring (4 G, 5 A).
The 16-year-old native of Gibsonia, PA, says that the international tournament, held in Vancouver, British Columbia, really helped him build some momentum.
"Up there it really helped get my confidence up, playing against guys my own age," says Saad, "and this weekend I was able to carry that over playing against league competition, which is great."
Saad's nomination marks the second straight week that a Phantom has been given the award; Nick Kenney received the honor last week.
He is the fourth Mahoning Valley Player to earn Player of the Week status, along with Kenney, Erik Higby and Doug Clifford.
Phantoms goalie Jordan Tibbett was also honored by the league, with his win and 26 saves this past weekend helping him pick up an honorable mention for the NAHL Goalie of the Week award.
It is already the seventh time Tibbett has been named honorable mention for weekly honor.
Saad, Tibbett and the rest of the Phantoms return to the ice on January 23rd when they once again host the Motor City Machine at the Chevrolet Centre for a 7:15 divisional matchup.
The game will be broadcast locally on ESPN Radio 1240, WBBW, and worldwide at MVPPhantoms.com via B2 Networks. The pregame show will begin at 7:00 PM.
Phantoms season tickets and individual game tickets are now on sale at the Phantom Box Office at the Ice Zone in Boardman. Call (330) 965-7500 for more information.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 12, 2009
- Express Picking up Steam in Central - NAHL
- Saad Secures Player of the Week Nod - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Wildcats start off homestand with losses - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Outlaws Weekly - North Iowa Outlaws
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