SYRACUSE -- The Syracuse Crunch announced Friday that the American Hockey League has named Crunch right wing Kyle Palmieri the Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month for the month of March.
Palmieri scored 12 goals including five game-winners, and added three assists and a plus-8 rating in 13 games to help the Crunch to a 10-3-0-0 record with him in the lineup.
Palmieri tallied all 15 of his points during an eight-game scoring streak to end the month, a stretch that began when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 decision over Toronto on March 18. He notched his second hat trick of the season and set a career high with four points during the Crunch’s 6-2 win over Charlotte on March 19, and scored twice in the third period of Syracuse’s 5-2 victory at Hershey on March 20. Palmieri recorded two goals and an assist as the Crunch beat Rochester, 6-4, on March 26, and had another two-goal performance in a 4-3 win at Toronto on March 30. This marks the third league honor for Palmieri this season, as he has also twice been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week.
The 20-year old Palmieri turned pro after completing his freshman season at the University of Notre Dame (CCHA) in 2009-10, where he recorded 17 points (9g, 8a) in 33 games. Palmieri won a gold medal with the United States at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships and a bronze medal at the 2011 tournament. He was selected by Anaheim in the first round, 26th overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
In recognition of his achievement, Palmieri will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Crunch home game.
The Crunch return home on Friday, April 1 to battle Binghamton at 7:30 p.m. at The Oncenter War Memorial Arena.
Courtesy: Syracuse Crunch
