CALGARY, AB. – The Western Hockey League announced today that forward Brad Ross, of the Portland Winterhawks, has been named the HUSKY WHL Player of the Month for December.

The 17-year-old forward from Lethbridge, Alberta, notched 20 points through the month of December finding the net seven times and accumulating 13 assists to go along with a +10 rating. Ross led all WHL players in scoring through December, picking up points in nine of his 11 games played, seven of which were multi-point nights, including two three-point games and one four-point night, elevating him to the Winterhawks’ scoring lead this season.

Ross’ 20 points in December also helped move him to a 16th ranking among WHL scorers with 48 points (22 goals, 26 assists) in 43 games played. His consistent play led the Winterhawks’ to a 7-3-1-1 record on the month and currently sit 3rd in the WHL Western Conference with a 25-16-1-1 record for 52 points, just one point back of the second place Vancouver Giants. Ross’ efforts also earned him a Three Star selection in five of his 11 games played, with three being 1st Stars.

Ross was a first round – 5th overall selection of the Portland Winterhawks at the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft and was ranked 13th among WHL skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their 2009 fall rankings heading into the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

His accomplishments make Brad Ross a deserving choice as the HUSKY WHL Player of the Month for December.

HUSKY – proud sponsor of the WHL Education Program and the Canada West WHL Graduate of the Month.

2009-10 HUSKY WHL Player of the Month
December: Brad Ross, Portland Winterhawks
November: James Reid, Spokane Chiefs
September/October: Jordan Eberle, Regina Pats

Brad Ross on winning the award:
“My mom texted me and congratulated me on being player of the month. I didn’t know what she was talking about. She told me to check, so I did, and it was pretty cool...I was kind of shocked because I know there’s a lot of good players in the Dub.”

On whether he felt the need to help make up for the absences of various players at international tournaments:
“A little bit, but I’ve been sticking to my game and it’s been paying off. It’s not that hard to get goals with (Ryan) Johansen and (Oliver) Gabriel on your side.”

On getting Nino back on his line this weekend:
“We’ve missed him on the power play, but it’ll be good to get all of our guys back and really see what we can do.”