Florida's Harper named Howies Hockey Tape/ECHL Rookie of the Month

Florida Everblades’ forward Patrick Harper has been named the Howies Hockey Tape ECHL Rookie of the Month for December.

Harper scored five goals and added four assists for nine points in five games during the opening month of the ECHL season.

The 22-year-old had at least one point in each of his five games, including three multi-point games. He posted three assists in a 4-0 win against Jacksonville on Dec. 26 and had a two-goal game in a 6-3 victory at Greenville on Dec. 18.

Under a National Hockey League contract with Nashville, Harper is tied for first among ECHL rookies with five goals, is tied for second with four assists and is second with nine points.

Prior to turning pro, Harper posted 115 points (41g-74a) in 128 career games at Boston University.

Runners Up: Ryan Lohin, Orlando (5 gp, 4g, 2a, 6 pts.), Hunter Shepard, South Carolina (2-0-1, 1.89 GAA, .935 save pct.) and Bobby McMann, Wichita (4 gp, 3g, 4a, 7 pts.).

Also Nominated: Joseph Garreffa (Allen), Ben Finkelstein (Greenville), Luke Bafia (Kansas City) and Matt Alfaro (Wheeling).