Friday, April 22, 2011

Gaudreau Named USHL Rookie of the Year

Press Release

The United States Hockey League today announced that Dubuque Fighting Saints forward John Gaudreau has been selected as the 2010-11 USHL Rookie of the Year as determined by a vote of League coaches and general managers.

Also named to the USHL All-Rookie Team, Gaudreau was the second in the USHL during the regular season with 36 goals. He played in all 60 regular season games and helped the Saints finish first in the Western Conference standings. Despite entering the League standing just 5-6 and weighing 141 pounds, the 17-year-old quickly had a big impact in his first USHL season. He scored a goal on his first shot in his first USHL game on October 1st. Six games later, Gaudreau recorded a hat trick in the 4-1 victory against Youngstown, the first of two three-goal games he would register during the season.

The Carneys Point, New Jersey native was fourth overall in USHL scoring with 72 points (36g, 36a). He led the League with 15 power play goals and finished third with seven game-winning goals. His plus-21 rating was the ninth highest total in the USHL. Gaudreau was also efficient as he scored his 36 goals on 154 shots to post a League best .234 shooting percentage. At one point during the season, he compiled a seven-game point streak totaling 12 points in that span (8g, 4a). He also twice put together six-game point streaks and had two five-game point streaks.

"I join all the League's General Managers in congratulating John on one of the best rookie years we've seen in the USHL in quite a while," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "He was a great player on one of the USHL's strongest teams. He may not be the biggest player on the ice - but as he's heard and will continue to hear throughout his career, no one plays a bigger game."

Gaudreau is committed to play collegiately hockey at Northeastern University following the conclusion of his USHL career. He has also caught the eye of NHL scouts as he was ranked 193rd among North American skaters when NHL Central Scouting released its final rankings of draft-eligible players in advance of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Other accolades for Gaudreau this season including twice being named CCM Offensive Player of the Week and being one of 44 players named to the midseason CCM USHL All-Star Teams.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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