Five Saints Named to USHL All-Star Team
Published on February 18, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, Iowa - Although there will be no All-Star Game played in the USHL this year, the league's coaches have spoken to recognize the achievements of the league's outstanding players. Given the performance of the Dubuque Fighting Saints to this point in the season, it should come as no surprise that they are the most well-represented team in the Western Conference with five selections to the All-Star rosters. That total of players ties the Fighting Saints for the greatest number of representatives with Eastern Conference powers Green Bay and Indiana. All-Stars were selected based on the votes of league coaches, though coaches were not allowed to vote for their own players.
John Gaudreau, Zemgus Girgensons, Matt Morris, Joakim Ryan, and Vinny Saponari were all selected to the team. Gaudreau's twenty-five goals lead the USHL, and he enters tonight's game with a six game point streak, having scored nine points in that span. Gaudreau's linemate Vinny Saponari is tied for fourth in the league in points scored, with forty-seven on twelve goals and thirty five assists. Girgensons is the Saints' youngest player selected to the team, having turned seventeen last month. He got off to a sizzling start and has compiled twenty-seven points, including fourteen goals this season.
Fighting Saints forwards were not alone in being recognized by league coaches. Goaltender Matt Morris, who leads the league in goals against average and save percentage, was voted among the two best goalies in his conference. Additionally, blueliner Joakim Ryan was added to the roster. Ryan leads all Fighting Saints defensemen, and is tied for seventh among USHL defensemen, in scoring with twenty-two points, having compiled two goals and twenty assists.
Fighting Saints Head Coach Jim Montgomery is appreciative of the accolades awarded to his players, but he often stresses that individual honors are most often a product of superior team play. "The All-Star selections speak volumes about the team success we have had so far this season. Congratulations to all of our players selected who are great teammates with a team first attitude," he said. "With five players named USHL All Stars, and in my opinion, many more deserving in our line-up, I hope our fans can appreciate that they have the opportunity to see some of the best young hockey players in the world right here in Dubuque."
The Fighting Saints return to the ice tonight at home against the Des Moines Buccaneers. They travel to Cedar Rapids to play the RoughRiders tomorrow, and will play Cedar Rapids at home on Sunday at 3 PM.
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