South Carolina Stingrays’ defenseman Joey Leach is the AMI Graphics ECHL Plus Performer of the Month for March after leading the league lead with a plus-minus rating of +13.Leach posted an even or better rating in all 11 games during the month including a +4 on March 4 in a 4-2 win at Atlanta. He posted a +2 rating on two occasions - March 11 and March 12, both against Atlanta.The 24-year-old leads all ECHL defensemen, and is second overall in the league, with a +34 rating this season. He has tallied 15 points (6g-9a) in 53 games with the Stingrays and has added three assists in six games with Hershey of the American Hockey League.A native of Wadena, Saskatchewan, Leach has 42 points (8g-37a) in 164 career ECHL games with South Carolina, Fort Wayne and Bakersfield and last season was fifth in the league with a +37 rating. Leach has also appeared in 23 career AHL games with Oklahoma City, Lake Erie and Hershey, recording four assists.In recognition of his accomplishment, AMI Graphics will present Joey Leach with a personalized Plus Performer of the Month Banner during an on-ice ceremony at an upcoming Stingrays’ home game. Runner Up: Kyle Ostrow, Colorado (+12). Top Plus Performer(s) for Each Club: Adirondack - Jeff Silengo (+2); Alaska - Christian Finch (+4); Allen - Gary Steffes (+5); Atlanta - Josh Atkinson and Kevin Albers (0); Brampton - Daniel Vernace (+2); Cincinnati - Joe Wilson and Brett Wysopal (+6); Elmira - Mark Bennett and Ian Young (+8); Evansville - Tyson Fawcett (+7); Florida - Jon DiSalvatore (+10); Fort Wayne - Shawn Szydlowski (+11); Greenville - Jack Combs (+8); Idaho - Tommy Fallen and Rob Linsmayer (+7); Indy - Anders Franzon (+5); Kalamazoo - Evan McEneny (+10); Manchester - Troy Power (+5); Missouri - Zach Tolkinen (+7); Norfolk - Samuel Noreau (+6); Orlando - Chris Bradley (+5); Quad City - Jake Baker and Vladimir Nikiforov (+5); Rapid City - Ryan Misiak (+7); Reading - Kevin Goumas (+7); Toledo - Derek Docken (+9); Tulsa - Shawn Bates (+3); Utah - Marc Cantin (+4); Wheeling - Cody Wydo (+11) and Wichita - Landon Oslanski (+7).
PREVIOUS WINNERS
MONTH | PLAYER | TEAM |
October | Drew Daniels / Jordon Southorn | Fort Wayne Komets |
Eric Baier | Orlando Solar Bears | |
November | Patrick Cullity | Missouri Mavericks |
December | Jacob MacDonald | Elmira Jackals |
January | Collin Bowman | Colorado Eagles |
February | Anton Cederholm | Kalamazoo Wings |