February 18, 2013
Photo: Syracuse Crunch
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Syracuse Crunch goaltender Riku Helenius has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 17, 2013.
Helenius backstopped the Crunch to three wins this week, recording two shutouts in the process—against the Albany Devils on Feb. 13 and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Feb. 17. The only goal allowed was a power-play goal during the Crunch’s 7-1 win over the Binghamton Senators. Over the three games this week, Helenius stopped 80 of 81 shots faced for an impressive save percentage of .987.
A fifth-year pro out of the Finland, Helenius has appeared in 20 games for the Crunch this season, with a 2.78 goals-against average, a .891 save percentage, and an 11-8-0 record. Over his career, he has totaled 57 AHL games, and has made stops in SM-liiga and the Swedish Elite League. Helenius, a native of Palkane, Finland, made his National Hockey League debut on Jan. 30, 2009 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was drafted 15th overall by Tampa Bay in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
In recognition of his achievement, Helenius will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Crunch home game.