OLESZ NAMED CCM/AHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The American Hockey League announced today that Rockford IceHogs left wing Rostislav Olesz has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Apr. 7, 2013.

Olesz tallied four goals (including two game-winners) and three assists for seven points, along with a plus-6 rating, in four games as Rockford jumped from 11th place into a tie for eighth in the Western Conference with a perfect 4-0-0-0 week.

After being held scoreless in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Milwaukee – his only game without a point since joining the IceHogs on Mar. 14 – Olesz recorded back-to-back three-point games, including the game-winning goal in both. On Friday, he scored two go-ahead third-period goals to help Rockford to a big 4-3 victory at Milwaukee, and on Saturday his second goal of the night came with 2:31 left in regulation to send the IceHogs to a 5-4 win at Peoria. Finally, back home on Sunday, Olesz tallied an assist in Rockford’s 4-1 win over the Rivermen.

The seventh overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and a veteran of 355 National Hockey League games with Chicago and Florida, Olesz has picked up six goals and seven assists for 13 points in nine AHL games with Rockford this season. The 27-year-old native of Bilovec, Czech Republic, set professional career highs for goals (17), assists (24) and points (41) in 50 games for Rockford during the 2011-12 season.

Olesz becomes the third different IceHogs skater to win the CCM/AHL Player of the Week this season. Forward Kyle Beach earned the award during Week 4 (Oct. 29-Nov. 4, 2012) of the season, while rookie winger Brandon Saad earned the award for Week 14 (Jan. 7-13, 2013) of the campaign, as well.

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