By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA
Linus Ullmark became the fifth player, and third goalie, in the past 25 years to be named most valuable player of the Rochester Americans in back-to-back seasons.
Ullmark entered Friday night’s home finale with a 20-12-2 record, 2.41 goals-against average (11th best in the American Hockey League) and .923 save percentage (seventh best).
The steady, often outstanding, play of the third-year goaltender is a big reason why the Amerks entered Friday’s game against Belleville with 35 wins and 87 points.
Other Amerks to win the vote of teammates as MVP in back-to-back seasons: center Peter Ciavaglia in 1991-92 and ’92-93, goalie Mika Noronen in 1999-2000 and ’00-01, center Chris Taylor in 2001-02 and ’02-03, and goalie David Leggio in 2011-12 and ’12-13.
Other award winners:
Rookie of the year: left winger C.J. Smith.
Rob Zabelny Unsung Hero: center Colin Blackwell.
Fairand/O’Neil Sportsmanship: Blackwell.
McCulloch Trophy for community service: Defenseman Nathan Paetsch.
Most improved player: center Sean Malone.
Leave a Reply