Benoit Gratton voted starter for Canadian AHL All-Star Team
Published on January 7, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
The American Hockey League announced today that Hamilton Bulldogs captain and forward Benoit Gratton has been voted to the Canadian AHL All-Star Team starting lineup for the 2004 Pepsi AHL All-Star Classic to be held on February 8th and 9th at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Gratton becomes the only player to be voted a Canadian All-Star Team starter for both the 2003 and 2004 AHL All-Star Classic. The 5'11, 194 pound centre was the Bulldogs leading scorer this season, with 34 points (14-20-34) in 25 games played, prior to his recall to the Montreal Canadiens on December 20th. Gratton also earned Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week honours for the week ending November 24th, and his five-powerplay goals continues to be a Bulldogs team best. Gratton played in four games with the Canadiens this season and earned an assist before suffering a concussion in a game back on December 27th in Carolina.
Gratton participated in the 2001 AHL All-Star Classic, when he represented the Saint John Flames. The Montreal native missed the 2003 AHL All-Star Classic due to a hand injury.
The Canadian AHL All-Star Team, comprising of players born in Canada, 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. The PlanetUSA AHL All-Star team roster will be announced on Thursday.
The Hamilton Bulldogs next action will take place tonight as they face the Philadelphia Phantoms at the Wachovia Spectrum. Bulldogs fans can listen to Derek Wills call all the action, beginning with the pre-game show at 6:55 p.m. on 820 CHAM-AM and on-line at www.hamiltonbulldogs.com.
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