Norfolk Admirals left-winger Cory Conacher wins AHL's most valuable player

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Norfolk Admirals left-winger Cory Conacher was named the Les Cunningham award winner on Friday as the American Hockey League's most valuable player.

Conacher is the fourth rookie to win the award since it was first presented in 1947-48. He joins Bill Hicke (1958-59), Pelle Lindbergh (1980-81) and Stephan Lebeau (1988-89).

Coaches, players and media in each of the AHL's 30 member cities voted on the MVP award.

Conacher ranks second in the AHL with 35 goals and 75 points, is tied for second with 14 power-play goals and tied for third with seven game-winning goals heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

He's been a key part of the league-leading Admirals season and has helped the Admirals to a record-setting 26-game win streak.

The 22-year-old native of Burlington, Ont., represented Norfolk at the 2012 AHL all-star classic and was named to the AHL all-rookie team and AHL second all-star team for 2011-12.

Undrafted out of Canisius College, Conacher signed an AHL contract with Norfolk following training camp and inked a two-year NHL deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning — the Admirals' parent club — on March 1.