Gamache, Hamhuis Name to AHL All-Star Teams
April 7, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Milwaukee Admirals News Release
The American Hockey League announced today that Milwaukee Admirals forward Simon Gamache has been selected to the First-Team All-AHL and defenseman Dan Hamhuis has been picked for the Second-Team. The two were selected by players and media in the 28 AHL markets.
Gamache has put together one of the most impressive offensive seasons in recent Admirals history. Through 74 games the speedy forward has scored 82 points, good for third in the league, on 27 goals and 55 assists and is +13. Gamache, is tops on Milwaukee's roster in goals, assists, points, power play goals (15), game-winning goals (6), and games played (74). His 82 points are the most in a season by an Admirals' player since Tony Hrkac recorded 88 points in 1996-97.
"What makes Simon so great is his passion for the game," said Noel. "He is relentless in his pursuit of the puck and is a smart offensive player. He is relatively small, but I think that makes him that much more difficult to handle for other teams defenseman."
A native of Thetford Mines, PQ, Gamache was a vital cog on an Admirals squad that captured the 2004 Calder Cup. In the playoff run the 5-9, 185-pound left wing posted 24 points (6g-18a) in 22 games, good for second in the league in playoff scoring behind teammate Darren Haydar. Gamache, originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, has 2 points (1g-1a) in 11 NHL contests with the Predators and Thrashers.
Hamhuis, a native of Smithers, BC, has emerged as one of the top blueliners in the AHL after spending all of the 2003-04 season with the Nashville Predators. In 71 games thus far this year with Milwaukee he has 50 points (12g-38a), which is tied for tops in the AHL among blueliners, and is +12. Hamhuis, who was a member of Team Canada in the 2005 AHL-All Star Classic, has also registered four game-winning goals.
"Coaches dream about having players like Dan on their team," noted Admirals Head Coach Claude Noel. "His game is complete. Some players are good offensively, some are good defensively, but Dan excels at both areas. He can play anywhere on the ice."
A first-round pick by Nashville in the 2001 NHL Entry draft, Hamhuis spent 2002-03 with the Admirals before playing last year with the Predators, tying a franchise rookie record by playing in 80 games. He notched 26 points (7g-19a) for the Preds on the year, including a five-point (1g-4a) night on March 4 versus Pittsburgh. The 6-0, 208-pound defenseman was second among NHL rookies in ice-time (22:08/game), game-winning goals (4), and assists (19).
Rochester Goaltender Ryan Miller, Grand Rapids Defenseman Niklas Kronwall, Chicago Defenseman Travis Roche, Binghamton Center Jason Spezza, and Lowell Right Wing Chuck Kobasew join Gamache on the AHL First Team. Hamhuis was selected to the Second Team along with Chicago Goaltender Kari Lehtonen, Binghamton Defenseman Brian Pothier, Providence Left Wing Andy Hilbert, Manchester Center Mike Cammalleri, and Chicago Right Wing J.P. Vigier.
The Admirals continue their push to the playoffs when they battle the Bulldogs at 6:30 pm (CDT) on Friday, April 8 in Hamilton. The Ads return home to the Bradley Center on Saturday to take on the Chicago Wolves in a game that could go a long way in deciding the Western Division regular season champion. Game time for Saturday is set for 7:30.
American Hockey League Stories from April 7, 2005
- Wolf Pack recall MacIntyre - Connecticut Whale
- Gamache, Hamhuis Name to AHL All-Star Teams - Milwaukee Admirals
- Rampage Game Day - San Antonio Rampage
- Bruins back on ice Friday - Providence Bruins
- Ryan Miller Named a First Team All Star - Rochester Americans
- Fan Appreciation Night to feature block party - Houston Aeros
- Aeros playoff tickets go on sale Saturday - Houston Aeros
- Cammalleri Earns AHL Second Team All-Star Honors - Manchester Monarchs
- Bruins' Hilbert named an AHL All-Star - Providence Bruins
- Lowell's Kobasew named AHL First Team All-Star - Albany Devils
- Wolves Trio Earn All-Star Honors - Chicago Wolves
- Kronwall named AHL First Team All-Star - Grand Rapids Griffins
- 2004-05 AHL All-Star Teams announced - AHL
- Pirates Sign Chris Bourque, Son of NHL Legend Ray Bourque - Portland Pirates
- Scotty Bowman caps off "Grand Finale Weekend" - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Church Night at the Crunch - Syracuse Crunch
- Lowell's Cam Ward named to 2004-05 AHL All Rookie Team - Albany Devils
- Defenseman Dave Karpa Signed to P.T.O. - Syracuse Crunch
- Crunch edge Moose in thriller - Syracuse Crunch
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
