Former Crunch Member Derick Brassard Named NHL Rookie of the Month
Syracuse, NY, (Tuesday, November 4, 2008)
Syracuse, NY (November 4, 2008) – The Syracuse Crunch announced today that Columbus Blue Jackets center Derick Brassard has been named the NHL’s rookie of the month for October. He becomes the second Blue Jackets player to be named NHL rookie of the month (Rick Nash, November 2002).
Brassard, 21, scored nine points (4g, 5a) and had a +3 plus-minus rating in 10 games. He led all NHL rookies in points, while ranking second in goals and assists (tied). He registered a point in eight-of-10 games and tied for the club lead in assists and points, while ranking tied for second in goals. Among the players he beat out for the award was teammate Jakub Voracek, who ranked third among all rookies in scoring with seven points (3g, 4a) in 10 games.
In his rookie professional campaign with the Crunch last season, Brassard appeared in 42 games and registered 15 goals, 36 assists and 51 penalty minutes. He was selected to play in the AHL All-Star Game, but did not play due to a call up with Columbus.
In addition, Brassard added 13 points (4g, 9a) in 13 playoff games with the Crunch last year. He also earned American Hockey League Rookie of the Month honors for October and April last season as a member of the Crunch.
A native of Hull, Quebec, Brassard was drafted by Columbus in the first round, sixth overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
The Crunch’s next game is Friday, November 7 as they travel down I-81 to take on the Binghamton Senators. The Crunch return home to the War Memorial at Oncenter to face the Manitoba Moose on November 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Crunch office at 315-473-4444, stopping by the Oncenter Box Office, located on the State Street side of the War Memorial or by calling Ticketmaster at 315-472-0700.