TROY, N.Y. - ECAC Hockey has announced its monthly awards in men's hockey and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) student-athlete Evan Tironese has been named Rookie of the Month for October.

A freshman from Qualicum Beach, B.C., Tironese led the Engineers with seven points on a goal and six assists. In six games, he notched 10 shots on goal, while being assessed six penalties for 20 minutes. 

Tironese has played in both of Rensselaer's ECAC Hockey games, posting three assists for a team-best three points. Compiling a +1 rating, he two penalties for four minutes. 

After missing the opening game of the season, Tironese recorded at least one point in each of his first four appearances. The ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week from October 13, he was held off the scoresheet against 11th-ranked Michigan on October 24, but has at least one point in each of the last two games. 

A former standout with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Tironese leads all ECAC Hockey rookies in points, assists, power play assists (3), penalties and penalty minutes. He is second among first-year players in face-offs won (27) and assists per game (1.00).

The Engineers (3-4; 2-0 ECAC Hockey) return to the ice this weekend, when they travel to the North Country to face 17th-ranked Clarkson and  15th-ranked St. Lawrence on Friday (7pm) and Saturday (7pm), respectively.