Portland Pirates forward Tyler Ennis named AHL's rookie of the year

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Forward Tyler Ennis of the Portland Pirates was named the winner of the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL's top rookie Thursday.

Voting for the award was conducted by AHL coaches, players and media in each of the league's 29 member cities.

Ennis, a 2008 first-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, leads all AHL rookies in scoring with 65 points, including 23 goals. He is ranked second in game-winning goals (six) and third in power-play goals (nine).

The Edmonton native was also named the MVP of the 2010 AHL all-star classic in Portland. Ennis has also registered eight points (three goals, five assists) in seven games this season with the Sabres.

Ennis becomes the second consecutive Portland player to win the award. Nathan Gerbe earned it last year.