Blake Geoffrion Named AHL Player of the Week

Predator prospect Blake Geoffrion entered the AHL all-star break on fire and was rewarded with being named the AHL/Reebok Player of the Week.

His five point game (2 goals, 3 assists) on Friday was his coming out party as a pro player. This has been a transition year for Geoffrion as he adjusts from the college game to life as a pro. Prior to his big game he had 19 points in 33 games.

It is expected that he will be in a position to compete fro a roster spot next year in camp and at a minimum should see some games with the Predators at some point next season.

He is already a fan favorite since he grew up in Brentwood and will be the first NHL player from Tennessee when he hits the ice for the first time in a Predator uniform.

Here is the full release from the AHL...

MILWAUKEE CENTER BLAKE GEOFFRION NAMED REEBOK/AHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Milwaukee Admirals center Blake Geoffrion has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Jan. 30, 2011. In two games, Geoffrion scored three goals and added three assists for six points for the Admirals, who hit the all-star break in a tie atop the West Division.

Geoffrion had his biggest night as a pro on Friday, scoring two goals and assisting on three others to lead Milwaukee to an 8-1 win over division rival Peoria. On Saturday, Geoffrion scored again and was named the game’s third star as the Admirals defeated Rockford, 3-2 in overtime.

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

Geoffrion, who turns 23 on Feb. 3, is in his rookie season after a four-year career at the University of Wisconsin that saw him win the Hobey Baker Award as the top collegiate player in the nation as a senior in 2009-10. A second-round draft pick by Nashville in 2006, Geoffrion has recorded eight goals and 17 assists for 25 points in 35 games for the Admirals this season. The native of Plantation, Fla., is the grandson of former AHL coach and Hockey Hall of Famer Bernie Geoffrion and the son of former AHL forward Dan Geoffrion.

Other nominees for Reebok/AHL Player of the Week include Adirondack left wing Michael Ryan, Albany center Jacob Josefson, Chicago center Ryan Garbutt, Grand Rapids goaltender Jordan Pearce, Hamilton center Dustin Boyd, Lake Erie center Mark Olver, Manchester goaltender Jeff Zatkoff, Manitoba defenseman Kevin Connauton, Portland left wing Derek Whitmore, Rochester goaltender Jacob Markstrom, Rockford right wing Mathis Olimb, San Antonio right wing Brett MacLean, Springfield goaltender Gustaf Wesslau, Syracuse defenseman Nate Guenin, Toronto goaltender Ben Scrivens, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton center Ryan Craig and Worcester left wing Jamie McGinn.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass