Habsworld.net has named Chris Higgins the February Prospect of the Month for his stellar all round play during the month, especially his offensive outburst which helped his team get back into the playoff hunt. Higgins who had an excellent rookie year in the AHL that saw him rack up an impressive 48 points in 67 games, expectations were high that he would be able to continue his offensive production into his sophomore season. With a younger and more inexperienced team, Higgins was looked upon as one of the key players to carry much of the Bulldogs offense, but early in the year things didn’t go all that well for him. The chances were there but Higgins seemed to be a bit unlucky as he would end up hitting posts, missing just wide or having goalies make some great saves on him. But as the season wore on, Higgins continued to get his chances, and soon enough more and more started going in. For the month of February, Higgins played in ten games for the Bulldogs, and was able to lead the team in scoring for the month, as he recorded eleven points over that stretch, getting an impressive six goals. On the season, Higgins is currently second on the team in goals, points, game winning goals and shots as well as being first on the team in short handed goals despite missing four games this year, and is only one goal away from last seasons totals.
Also in the running for Prospect of the Month was Higgins’s linemate, Tomas Plekanec who also was an offensive force for the month, as he recorded ten points for the month as his line was on fire which couldn’t have come at a better point in the season. Plekanec also enjoyed much success at the AHL All Star game, being named the fastest skater and also the MVP of the game for his efforts which saw him score a goal that got his team back into the game. Plekanec continues to lead the team in scoring and has for most of the last two seasons, as he currently leads the team in goals, assists, points, power play goals, game winning goals and shots.
Goaltender Yann Danis was also given consideration for his play during the month, as he has enjoyed a very positive rookie season in the AHL this year, after coming off an outstanding career in the NCAA. The rookie has been very strong in nets, and hasn’t shown much wear from adjusting to the much longer and more rigorous season, as he can usually be counted on to be on his game, which often finds him in the right spot at the right time. Danis has been one of Hamilton’s top players this season and could be considered one of the teams MVP’s when the season ends, as he has had a somewhat shaky, inexperienced defense in front of him, as well as a struggling offense, which would often mean he had little room for error, as letting in more then two goals would likely mean a loss.