All-Star Classic – IceCaps Hockey Report

IceCaps defenceman Ellis named to AHL All-Star Team
BLUELINER TO REPLACE FELLOW ICECAP BARBERIO CURRENTLY WITH CANADIENS

St. John’s IceCaps Media Release

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (January 26, 2015) –The American Hockey League announced today several roster changes for the upcoming 2016 Toyota AHL All-Star Classic, including the addition of St. John’s IceCaps defenceman Morgan Ellis.

Ellis, second among AHL rearguards with 10 goals, will replace fellow IceCaps blueliner Mark Barberio who is currently on recall to the Montreal Canadiens. A native of Ellerslie, PEI, Ellis also leads the IceCaps with a plus-minus of +12.

The All-Star game is slated for this Sunday and Monday in Syracuse, N.Y.

Other additions to the AHL All-Star rosters are: Portland Pirates defenseman Cameron Gaunce and Providence Bruins forward Alexander Khokhlachev (Atlantic Division); Manitoba Moose goaltender Eric Comrie, Rockford IceHogs forward Jake Dowell and Lake Erie Monsters forward T.J. Tynan (Central Division); and Ontario Reign forward Sean Backman and San Jose Barracuda forward Ryan Carpenter (Pacific Division).

In addition, the AHL announced that Bridgeport forward Joe Whitney, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defenseman Derrick Pouliot, Manitoba goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, Lake Erie forward Kerby Rychel, Milwaukee forward Vladislav Kamenev, Ontario forward Michael Mersch and Texas forward Travis Morin will all be unavailable for the event.

CHARLES HUDON NAMED CO-MVP OF AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC
‘Dogs forward notches three goals, one assist to pace Western Conference All-Stars to 14-12 victory

Hamilton Bulldogs Media release

UTICA, N.Y. – Hamilton Bulldogs forward Charles Hudon notched three goals and one assist and was named co-most valuable player of the American Hockey League All-Star Classic as he led the Western Conference All-Stars to a 14-12 victory over the Eastern Conference All-Stars at Utica Memorial Auditorium in Utica, N.Y. on Monday evening. Utica Comets goaltender Jacob Markstrom shared the MVP honours with a 16-save performance in the first period of the game.

GAME SUMMARY

Hudon’s first of three goals on the night came at 15:02 of the first period when he streaked into the offensive zone and fired a wrist shot that beat St. John’s IceCaps goaltender Connor Hellebuyck low blocker side.

The Hamilton rookie’s second goal of the evening was scored at 9:10 of the second period when he was sprung on a breakaway by Charlotte Checkers defenceman Ryan Murphy, then dangled Manchester Monarchs goaltender Jean-Francois Berube in tight before firing the puck top shelf.

Less than six minutes later, Hudon completed the hat trick with a one-handed, backhand deke reminiscent of Peter Forsberg’s legendary shootout goal from the 1994 Winter Olympics. Oklahoma City Barons forward Andrew Miller and Rockford IceHogs defenceman T.J. Brennan were credited with assists.

Hudon completed his four-point night with a first assist on the Western Conference’s 14th and final goal of the night, scored by Adirondack Flames forward Drew Shore. Flames forward Emile Poirier had a second assist on the play.

In his first season as a pro, Hudon has recorded 36 points (11 goals, 25 assists) and 40 penalty minutes in 43 games with the Bulldogs in 2014-15. The 5-10, 184-pound forward currently leads all AHL rookies in points and sits tied for sixth overall in league scoring. The 20-year-old Alma, Que. native was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the fifth round (122nd overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The Bulldogs will be back in action on Friday, Jan. 30 when they’ll visit the Iowa Wild at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa at 8 p.m. The ‘Dogs return home on Friday, Feb. 6 when they’ll host the Wild at FirstOntario Centre at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on Hamilton Bulldogs flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets, call 1-866-DOGS-TIX or visit hamiltonbulldogs.com.

Listen to all Bulldogs regular season and post-season games live on Hamilton’s AM 900 CHML, on www.900chml.com or watch live on www.ahllive.com. Catch every Friday night home game live in high definition on Cable 14.