CRAWFORD NAMED REEBOK/AHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.- The American Hockey League announced today that Rockford IceHogs goaltender Corey Crawford has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Jan. 11, 2009. Crawford stopped 95 of 97 shots in three appearances, going 2-0-1 with a 0.67 goals-againstaverage and a .979 save percentage for the IceHogs last week.

Crawford began the week with an impressive relief appearance on Wednesday at Grand Rapids, allowing one goal on 38 shots as Rockford rallied from three goals down to earn a point in a 6-5 shootout loss. On Friday, he turned aside 34 of 35 shots in a 3-1 win over Chicago, his fourth win over the defending Calder Cup champions this year and the 100th victory of his AHL career. And on Saturday, Crawford made 24 saves for his first shutout of the season as the IceHogs defeated Toronto 1-0.

In recognition of his achievement, Crawford will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming IceHogs home game.

Crawford is 12-5-2 with a 2.59 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage in 20 games for Rockford this season, his fourth professional campaign. A second-round draft choice (52nd overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2003, Crawford now has a record of 101-67-10 with six shutouts in 183 career AHL appearances. The 24-year-old Montreal native has also seen action in seven NHL contests with Chicago, getting his first NHL win and shutout vs. Anaheim on Mar. 5, 2008.

Rockford’s backstop is the second IceHogs player to earn the award during the 2008-09 campaign. Winger Pascal Pelletier was awarded for his performance following Week 8.

Next Home Game: Tuesday, Jan. 13 vs. San Antonio Rampage. Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. The Rampage come to town in a game rescheduled from Feb. 21. All fans at the game can register to win a pair of Toby Keith concert tickets or Blackhawks tickets to an upcoming game.