James van Riemsdyk is the NHL's Rookie of the Month for November. (photo by Jack Cassidy)

The National Hockey League announced that it has named Flyers left wing James van Riemsdyk the NHL Rookie of the Month for November.

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"Obviously before the season it is not something you really think about too much, but it is a nice feather to have in your cap,” said van Riemsdyk. “But obviously I want the team's success first and then individual success to come after."
 
Van Riemsdyk, 20, posted four goals and five assists for nine points and four penalty minutes in 12 games on the month. He recorded at least a point in seven of the 12 games in November, which also included his second career four-game point streak (Nov. 12-20) and his first career three-point game in which he registered three assists in the Flyers’ 6-2 win vs. Tampa Bay on Nov. 2.
 
Overall, van Riemsdyk has recorded 19 points (6G,13A) in 21 games. He leads the Flyers, and all NHL rookies and is tied for second overall in the NHL with four game-winning goals. His 13 assists are tied for the lead among all rookies and tied for third on the Flyers, while he ranks second in rookie scoring with 19 points, which also ranks third on the Flyers. He is also third among rookies and on the team with a plus/minus rating of +7.

He has recorded at least a point in five of his last nine games and in nine of his last 14 contests (5G,7A). Overall, van Riemsdyk has posted at least a point in 14 of his first 21 games he has played in the NHL.
 
A native of Middletown, N.J., van Riemsdyk was originally drafted in the first round (second overall) by the Flyers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a multi-year, entry level contract with the Flyers on April 1, 2009 after completing two seasons at the University of New Hampshire.