Myers Named Rookie of The Month

Written by: Scott Vankoughnett on 2nd February 2010

PHOTO BY SCOTT VANKOUGHNETT

Tyler Myers is the leading candidate for this year's Calder Trophy. | read this item

NEW YORK (February 2, 2010) — Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers, who led all rookies in average ice time per game (24:42) and ranked third in scoring with 10 points (four goals, six assists), has been named the NHL Rookie of the Month for January.

Myers edged Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene (6-3–9 in 12 games), Philadelphia Flyers left wing James vanRiemsdyk (5-6–11 in 14 games), New York Islanders center Rob Schremp (4-7–11 in 14 games), Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard (6-3-4, 2.26 GAA in 13 games) and Washington Capitals goaltender Michal Neuvirth (5-1-0, 2.38 GAA in nine games) for the award.

Myers tallied points in eight games and logged more than 25 minutes six times, helping the Sabres post an 8-3-3 record. He scored just 23 seconds after the opening face-off in a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning Jan. 6, recorded his first NHL game-winning goal as part of a three-point effort in a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs Jan. 8 and opened the scoring in a 7-2 win against the Phoenix Coyotes Jan. 18.

The NHL’s second-tallest player at 6-8, Myers was Buffalo’s first choice, 12th overall, in the 2008 Entry Draft. He appeared in 58 games for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League last season, recording 42 points (nine goals, 33 assists), and won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2009 World Junior Championships.

Myers, who celebrated his 20th birthday Monday, joins previous Rookie of the Month winners Michael Del Zotto of the New York Rangers (October), James vanRiemsdyk of the Philadelphia Flyers (November) and Matt Duchene of the Colorado Avalanche (December).