JOHN CURRY NAMED REEBOK/AHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

WILKES-BARRE, PA – The American Hockey League announced today that Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins goaltender John Curry has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 8, 2009. Curry was 3-0-0 in three appearances last week, stopping 80 of 84 shots (1.30, .952) and running his personal win streak to eight games, tying his career best.

Curry made 21 saves on Tuesday night at Philadelphia, holding down the fort long enough for the Penguins to score three third-period goals and earn a 4-1 win. On Friday, he made 27 stops as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton pulled out a 4-3 overtime win over San Antonio. And on Sunday evening, Curry turned aside all 32 shots he faced in a 5-0 victory over Norfolk, his third shutout of the season.

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

Curry (19-7-0) is tied for fourth in the AHL in wins and ranks among the top 10 in goals-against average (2.40) and save percentage (.919) through 27 appearances with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season.  The second year pro has moved into second place on the team’s all-time wins list (43) and third place on the team’s all-time shutout list (6) this season.

The Shorewood, MN native made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this season, posting a 2-1-0 record in three outings.  Since being reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on December 12, Curry has posted a 16-3-0 record with three shutouts, a .929 sv% (511 of 550) and a 2.02 goals against average (39 GA, 1155:50mp).

In 2007-08, Curry was named to the AHL's All-Rookie Team and backstopped the Penguins to the Calder Cup Finals. The 24-year-old has a career record of 43-19-3 with six shutouts in 67 career AHL games.