Hryckowian Named AHL Rookie of the Year, Becomes Fourth Texas Star to Earn Award

(Credit: Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars)

Justin Hryckowian continues to add to his growing awards shelf. 

After being selected to the AHL's All-Rookie Team on April 16 and the league's rookie of the month in December. Hryckowian becomes the fourth Texas Star in history to be named to the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award for the AHL's most outstanding rookie of the year on Thursday. 

Joining the Stars late last season, Hryckowian went on a tear in his first full season in Cedar Park. The young forward ended the regular season with 22 goals and 38 assists for 60 points on the year, the most out of any rookie this season.

Hyrckowian joins current Stars captain Curtis McKenzie, who earned the award in the 2013-14 season, as well as former Stars forwards Riley Damiani and Logan Stankoven. 

The Stars are the first club since the 2009-11 seasons to have back-to-back rookie of the year winners when the Portland Pirates three-peated. 

Earning his first All-Star nod earlier this season for the Central Division, Hryckowian was one of two representatives for the Stars in Coachella Valley. Helping the Central Division to their first All-Star Challenge victory since 2017, Hryckowian scored one goal and three assists during the break. 

Appearing in five games this season for Dallas, Hryckowian made his NHL debut on December 29th against the Chicago Blackhawks. He notched his first professional point with an assist early in the Stars' 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on January 19th.