Bendera and Plihal Named WHL Players of the Month

WHL ANNOUNCES PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

Calgary – The Western Hockey League today announced the Player of the Month for September / October in both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference.

In the Eastern Conference, which includes the East and Central Divisions, the Player of the Month is Shane Bendera of the Red Deer Rebels.

The 19 year old goaltender from Edmonton, Alberta, recorded a 1.52 goals against average and a 0.944 save percentage in 11 games which leads the League in both categories. He has eight wins, one loss and two ties including a shutout.

Bendera was also named Player of the Week for the first week of the season. He was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 200 NHL Entry Draft.

Shane Bendera is a deserving choice as the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for September / October.

In the Western Conference, the Player of the Month is Tomas Plihal of the Kootenay Ice.

Plihal, an 18-year-old rookie forward from Frydlant, Czech Republic scored 12 goals and 26 points in 19 games. Plihal also recorded three game winning goals and one short-handed goal along with a plus nine rating puts him thirds in WHL scoring. He was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

His accomplishments make Tomas Plihal a deserving choice as the Western Conference Player of the Month for September / October.