Fury's Nelson and Van Drunen named UHL All-Stars

January 11, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, MI.—The reigning Colonial Cup Champions and current Central Division and co-league leading Muskegon Fury, in conjunction with the United Hockey League, have announced that the Fury organization will be represented by two top talented players for the league's annual showcase galaxy event and the UHL All-Star Classic.

Muskegon will be represented by center JEFF NELSON and defenseman DAVE VAN DRUNEN when the All-Star game is played, Monday, January 24th in Glens Falls, New York, hosted by the league member club the Adirondack Frostbite.

The official rosters are comprised of 20-players, including 18-skaters and two goaltenders with each member club represented by a minimum of one player.

NELSON and VAN DRUNEN will be in the lineup for the All-Star Team designated as the TEAM MOUNTAIN DEW ALL-STARS. This team will consist of players from the following UHL members clubs: the Fort Wayne Komets, Kalamazoo Wings, Kansas City Outlaws, Missouri River Otters, Quad City Mallards, Rockford IceHogs and the Fury.

Their opposition will be provided by the All-Star Team designated as the TEAM PEPSI ALL-STARS. This team will consist of players from the Adirondack Frostbite, Danbury Trashers, Elmira Jackals, Flint Generals, Motor City Mechanics, Port Huron Beacons and Richmond RiverDogs.

A 13-year standout veteran, Nelson, 32, is in his first full season with the Fury and will be appearing in his first-ever UHL All-Star affair. In 39-games thus far this season, the Fury's sleek center ranks 11th in UHL league-wide scoring with 39(11-32-43). His 32-assists tie him for 3rd most in the loop while his 4-GWG tie him for UHL 2nd best and his stellar +10 rating lists him as tied for 3rd best for the Fury and best for the Fury among the club's cast of forwards. During the Fury's current 7-game win streak, he has fashioned 11-points; 7(2-9-11). Nelson (797) is only 3-points away from pro career 800. Earlier this season, he reached another extraordinary milestone, playing in his 900th career game in the professional ranks.

Van Drunen, like Nelson, will be making his first-ever UHL All-Star appearance, after being signed by the Fury as a free agent during the off-season. Also like Nelson, as a former standout with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, the 28-year-old 8-year veteran has emerged as Muskegon's major marquee mainstay in anchoring a defense which ranks a lofty 2nd in the UHL with a thrifty 2.46 GAA. In 37-games, he is 37(0-7-7) with 91-PIM and an impressive +14 rating which ties him for the club leadership.

The official starting lineup for each All-Star Team will be selected by the fans. The 2005 Pepsi UHL All-Star Classic Fan Balloting did commence on Monday, January 10th, exclusively on the official website of the United Hockey League. Online balloting at theuhl.com will end, officially, at 11:59 pm EST on Monday, January 17th.h



International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 11, 2005


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