McKenzie Named CCM/AHL Rookie of the Month

Jan 2, 2014

CEDAR PARK, Texas – The Texas Stars, proud American Hockey League affiliate of the Dallas Stars, announced today that left wing Curtis McKenzie has been selected as the CCM/AHL Rookie of the Month for December.

With leading scorers Travis Morin and Colton Sceviour both missing action due to NHL recall during the month, McKenzie helped the Stars roll to a 9-1-0-1 record by tallying five goals and seven assists for 12 points in 11 games.

McKenzie’s month featured five multiple-point games, beginning with his first career two-goal effort in a 5-4 win at Oklahoma City on Dec. 3. He scored twice more – including the game-winning goal – at San Antonio on Dec. 15, and set a personal best with three assists in a 5-2 win over the Rampage on Dec. 28. McKenzie closed out the month by assisting on the game-tying goal as Texas erased a four-goal deficit en route to a 6-5 overtime win at Oklahoma City on New Year’s Eve.

A 2009 draft choice by Dallas, McKenzie ranks second among all AHL rookies in scoring with 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 33 games for Texas this season. His is also second among rookies with 99 shots on goal, and his 16 power-play points are tied for third among all league skaters. McKenzie, 22, is a native of Golden, B.C., and played four seasons at Miami University before making his pro debut with Texas at the end of last season.

In recognition of his achievement, McKenzie will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Stars home game. This is the fifth time in club history that a Texas player has received an AHL monthly award. Brent Krahn was chosen as the league’s Goalie of the Month for November 2009, Reilly Smith was Rookie of the Month for December 2012, Jamie Oleksiak was Rookie of the Month for January 2013 and Travis Morin was Player of the Month for October 2013.

The Texas Stars continue their three-game road trip tonight with their first game of the season against the Charlotte Checkers, a 6:00 p.m. CT faceoff at Time Warner Cable Arena. Texas will return home to face the Abbotsford Heat on Friday, January 10th with a 7:30 p.m. face off at Cedar Park Center. The January 10th game against the Heat is a $3 Draft Beer and $4 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Wine Night and is the Stars Cell Phone Dot giveaway. Pro-rated full and partial 2013-14 Texas Stars Season Tickets are on sale now. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com.