Brahmas’ Justin Kinnunen named CHL Player of the Week

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – Hot off the announcement of being named to the starting roster for the CHL All-Star game one week earlier, Texas Brahmas defenseman Justin Kinnunen earned CHL Player of the Week Honors for the week of December 31-January 3.
 

Kinnunen’s four-point performance (3G, 1A) Saturday night against the Laredo Bucks gave the Brahmas a vital win which put Texas in sole possession of first place in the Southeast Division with 43 points.
 
The defenseman’s three goal presentation came in the form of a trifecta by netting an even strength, a power-play and a short-handed goal and was Texas’ first hat-trick of the season. It was also the first three goal performance by a Brahma’s defenseman since December 26, 1999.
 
“It is great to see Justin be recognized for his incredible efforts this past week,” Head Coach Dan Wildfong said. “He is a catalyst on both ends of the ice, and we look forward to what he will bring to the team for the remainder of the season.”
 
The road victory extended the Brahmas’ winning streak to four games. Texas who is in the midst of a four game road trip then traveled to Tulsa to face off against the Oilers for game two of their current trek. Tulsa wasguided by their newly named coach and former CHL veteran and Tulsa goaltender Tony Martino, but the Brahmas spoiled his debut with a 5-4 win and increased their winning streak to five games.
 
The Brahmas will have two days off before heading east for a contest against the Mississippi Riverkings followed by a visit to Oklahoma City the next night on January 10. Texas returns home on Friday, January 16 to host Arizona and then their division nemesis the Laredo Bucks the following night.
 
Contact the author at brian.mclean@prohockeynews.com