Balej, Plekanec & Komisarek chosen to play for PlanetUSA AHL All-Star Team
Published on January 8, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
The American Hockey League announced today that Hamilton Bulldogs forward Jozef Balej has been voted to the PlanetUSA AHL All-Star Team starting lineup, while forward Tomas Plekanec and defenceman Mike Komisarek have been selected to play for PlanetUSA AHL All-Star Team at the 2004 Pepsi AHL All-Star Classic to be held on February 8th and 9th at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The PlanetUSA AHL All-Star Team, comprising of players born in the United States and Europe, includes 21 skaters and three goaltenders. AHL fans determined the starting lineup via on-line balloting at theahl.com, while a committee of AHL coaches selected the remainder of the roster.
Balej, a 21-year-old native of Myjava, Slovakia, will be making his first AHL All-Star appearance. The 6' 1, 187 pound right-winger has enjoyed an outstanding season in Hamilton thus far, leading the Bulldogs in scoring with 40 points (21g-19a-40pts) in 41 games played. Among AHL players, Balej rates second in goals and third in points. The second year pro also has the AHL's third highest plus/minus rating at (+15). Balej was originally selected 78th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
Plekanec, a 5'10, 189 pound centre, has been selected to play in his first AHL All-Star Game. Prior to being recalled to the Montreal Canadiens on December 31st, Plekanec played in 37 games for the Bulldogs, and posted an impressive 27 points (11g-16a-27pts) and a +10 rating. The Kladno, Czech Republic native has played in two games with the Canadiens and made his National Hockey League debut on December 31st at Dallas. Plekanec, 21, was selected 71st overall by Montreal at the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
Komisarek, who is currently playing defence for the Montreal Canadiens, has been chosen to make his second AHL All-Star appearance. The 6' 4, 240 pound rearguard was a starter and scored a goal in last season's AHL All-Star game in Portland, Maine. Komisarek began the 2003-04 season with the Bulldogs playing in 18 games, scoring two goals and nine points, while adding 47 penalty minutes. Since his recall to Montreal on November 24th, the 21-year-old from Islip Terrace, N.Y., has played in 15 games for the Canadiens. Komisarek was selected to the AHL's All-Rookie Team in 2003.
Bulldogs captain and forward Benoit Gratton was voted to the Canadian AHL All-Star Team starting lineup on Wednesday, giving the Bulldogs a total of four players chosen to play in the 2004 Pepsi AHL All-Star Classic.
The Hamilton Bulldogs next home action will take place on Friday, January 9th, when they host the Cleveland Barons at Copps Coliseum. Game time is 7:00 p.m. Bulldogs fans can purchase their tickets at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, at all Ticketmaster locations or by calling Ticketmaster at (905) 527-7666.
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