Toledo's Bliss named Howies Hockey Tape/ECHL Rookie of the Month

Toledo Walleye forward Trenton Bliss has been named the Howies Hockey Tape ECHL Rookie of the Month for January. Bliss scored seven goals, added 11 assists and was a +10 in 13 games during the month, helping the Walleye to a 10-3-0 record in January. Under contract to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League, Bliss tallied at least one point in 12 of his 13 games, including four multi-point games. He had three points (1g-2a) on Jan. 7 at Fort Wayne, and had three two-point games, including two goals on Jan. 28 against Kalamazoo. The 24-year-old has 26 points (11g-15a) in 24 games with the Walleye this season and has added two points (1g-1a) in 13 AHL games with the Griffins. Prior to turning pro, Bliss posted 107 points (42g-65a) in 138 career games at Michigan Tech University and 56 points (21g-35a) in 84 career games with Green Bay of the United States Hockey League. Runners-Up: Hank Crone, Allen (10 gp, 6g, 9a, 15 pts.) and Max Newton, Reading (10 gp, 6g, 8a, 14 pts.). Also Nominated: Chris Van Os-Shaw (Indy), Dryden McKay (Newfoundland), David Bunz (Wheeling) and Quinn Preston (Wichita).