WINNIPEG – The American Hockey League announced their all-rookie team on Wednesday and a pair of players from the Manitoba Moose were included.
Defenceman Sami Niku and forward Mason Appleton were both chosen for their efforts in their first AHL season. The Moose were the only team to place more than one player on the six player all-rookie team.
Also named to the all-rookie squad were San Antonio Rampage goalie Ville Husso, Grand Rapids Griffins defenceman Filip Hronek, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins forward Daniel Spong and Tucson Roadrunners forward Dylan Strome.
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Niku, 21, is currently up with the Winnipeg Jets after getting promoted over the weekend. He sits tied for the lead in scoring among all AHL defenceman. Niku has 15 goals and 37 assists for 52 points in 71 games with the Moose this season. Niku is still considered an AHL rookie but he played in parts of three seasons professionally in Finland.
Appleton, 22, leads all AHL rookies in scoring with 61 points. He’s scored 21 goals and 40 assists in 71 games this season.
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The AHL all-rookie team was voted on by coaches, players and media in each of the league’s 30 cities.
Each player on the all-rookie team will receive a custom crystal award.