Habsworld.net has named Ron Hainsey the March Prospect of the Month for his improved play and increased offensive production which has helped the Bulldogs climb into a possible playoff spot. This season had not gone that well for Hainsey, a fourth year veteran of the AHL, as his offensive production was lagging and more was expected of him, but things seem to turn around for him in the month of March as he doubled his production picking up ten points of which five were goals. With Mike Komisarek joining the team this month, Hainsey was reunited with his former defense partner, as Komisarek’s solid defensive play gave Hainsey more chances to take risks offensively, which seems to be working well for him so far. After being named to the AHL All Star team in his rookie year, Hainsey has yet to put up better numbers then his first year totals, although he did match those numbers last season, it wasn’t looking very good for him this year as he had only nine points and at one point was a team low -14, disappointing to say the least. But the offensive outburst couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Bulldogs could sorely use his some added offense as they make their drive into the post season.
Also in the running for the March Prospect of the Month was Chris Higgins, who was the February Prospect of the Month, as he continued his excellent play and stellar offensive production. After getting eleven points in ten games last month, Higgins was able to pick up eleven points again, with an impressive seven goals which led the Bulldogs for the month. His linemate Tomas Plekanec was busy setting him up for many of these goals, as Plekanec was able to record a team leading eight assists for the month.
This month was a very good one for the Canadiens prospects, making it tough to chose who in fact was the top prospect for the month. Hamilton rookie goaltender Yann Danis continued his impressive play, as he was a major reason for seeing the Dogs climb from last place to fourth in the division, as he has received the majority of the starts as the Bulldogs look to make the playoffs for the third year in row as the affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. For the month of March, Danis was able to record seven wins and only allowed 24 goals against over the eleven games he played, with six of those games he let in two or less goals.
Also of note was Alex Perezhogin who played in fifteen games for Omsk, and was able to score six goals and recorded ten points, as he helped his team go far in the playoffs as they will play in the bronze medal game on Monday April 4th.
Right there with Perezhogin is Mikhail Grabovsky, who was able to record five goals in nine games and seven points as his team did not make it past the first round of the playoffs, but Grabovsky did earn 1st star honors for his two goal effort in game 2.