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It's an individual honor, but Dayton Bombers forward Matt Beaudoin is quick to share the credit.

The former Ohio State player was named to the ECHL All-Rookie team Thursday, April 3, selected by the league's head coaches.

"It's nice to get recognition from the league, but it's been more of a team effort," Beaudoin said. "My team is the reason I'm playing in the AHL right now."

The Quebec native joined the AHL's Hershey Bears on March 26 and has appeared in four games for them. He is expected to play in three games this weekend with the Bears.

"This time of year, it's tough as a player because you want to help your team in the playoffs, but you also want to make the most of your chances to play at this level," Beaudoin said.

Beaudoin leads ECHL rookies and is third overall in goals this season with 38.

"Matt seized a great opportunity to score with a lot of ice time here in Dayton," Bombers coach Bill McDonald said.

Beaudoin, 23, also has played for both the AHL's Iowa Stars and Rochester Americans this season.

Playoff picture

The Bombers host the Johnstown Chiefs in the first round of the Kelly Cup playoffs at 5 p.m. Sunday in the Nutter Center. The best-of-three series moves to Johnstown for games Tuesday and, if necessary, Wednesday.

Tickets for Sunday's game go on sale today at 10 a.m. at the Nutter Center box office or Ticketmaster, starting at $17 for adults and $10 for children 17 and younger.

Back to Hara?

If the Bombers advance to the second round, they will face top-seeded Cincinnati in a best-of-seven series starting April 11 in Cincinnati.

The Bombers could host as many as three games, April 13 and 15 at the Nutter Center and April 18, if necessary, at Hara Arena. The Nutter Center is not available April 18, so the Bombers could return to their roots; Dayton played five seasons at Hara starting in 1991.

ECHL All-Rookie team

Matt Beaudoin*: Forward, Dayton Bombers,

69 points (38 goals 31 assists)

David Desharnais: Forward, Cincinnati Cyclones,

102 points (28 g, 74 a)

Josh Soares: Forward, Alaska Aces, 81 points (36 g, 45 a)

Ryan Gunderson: Defenseman, Trenton Devils,

44 points (4 g, 40 a)

Adrian Veideman: Defenseman, Augusta Lynx,

39 points (10 g, 29 a)

Anton Khudobin: Goalie, Texas Wildcatters, 20-1-4,

1.98 GAA, .934 save pct.

* Beaudoin's 38 goals rank first among ECHL rookies and third overall. His 69 points are sixth among rookies and 12th overall. He also has 16 power-play goals (first among rookies, second overall).

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