SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Texas Stars left wing Reilly Smith has been selected as the CCM/AHL Rookie of the Month for December.

Smith tallied eight goals and six assists for 14 points in 14 games for the Stars last month.

After a slow start to his rookie season, Smith averaged a point per game during December. On Dec. 2, Smith had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 shootout win at Peoria, the first of his five multiple-point efforts on the month. He came back with his first career two-goal game in a 4-1 win over Peoria on Dec. 8, and had a goal and an assist to help Texas to a 3-1 victory at Abbotsford on Dec. 14. Smith put together a six-game scoring streak from Dec. 19-29 that included consecutive game-winning goals on Dec. 19 vs. San Antonio and Dec. 21 at Oklahoma City, and scoring the Stars’ only two goals in a loss to the Barons on Dec. 22.

The 21-year-old Smith was a third-round draft choice by Dallas in 2009, and made his professional debut appearing in three National Hockey League games with the parent Stars at the end of the 2011-12 season. In 32 games with Texas this year, Smith has 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points, including 10-7-17 in his last 17 outings. The Toronto native played three seasons at Miami University (Ohio) and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist last season.

In recognition of his achievement, Smith will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Stars home game.

Also see: Past winners, AHL Rookie of the Month