LEIGHTON RATED TOP STAR FOR 2014-15 SEASON

Rockford, Ill. - At the conclusion of each game, third party officials, usually members of the media, choose who they believe deserves the notion of being called one of the top three players for that game, or the “3 Stars of the Game.” The player who receives the first star distinction is considered to be the biggest difference maker of that contest.

In 2014-15, Rockford IceHogs goalie and the team most valuable player Michael Leighton led the IceHogs in his three star point accrual. Leighton was chosen as one of the top three stars 33 times in 42 games for Rockford. He was named the first star of the game four times, second star seven times, and third star seven times. The 34-year old net minder registered a 22-13-4 record with five shutouts in the 2014-15 season to go along with a 2.26 goals against average and a .920 save percentage in 42 games.

Right winger, Spencer Abbott came in at second with 22 points, playing in just 19 games with the IceHogs after being acquired from the Toronto Marlies in February. Next highest was center Mark McNeill with a total of 20 points in 63 games. Fellow goaltender Scott Darling notched 19 points in 26 games, securing the fourth spot in the “3 Stars” ranking.

Since 2008-09, five different players have been named the “top star” over seven seasons:

2014-15: Michael Leighton- 33 points
2013-14: Jeremy Morin- 26 Points
2012-13: Jeremy Morin- 39 points
2011-12: Carter Hutton- 27 points
2010-11: Hannu Toivonen- 39 points
2009-10: Corey Crawford- 32 points
2008-09: Corey Crawford- 37 points

*3 points awarded for #1 star, 2 points awarded for #2 star, and 1 point awarded for #3 star

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