Garon, Gratton, Ward Voted Starters for Canadian AHL All-Star Team
January 3, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
The American Hockey League announced today that Hamilton Bulldogs goaltender Mathieu Garon, along with forwards Benoit Gratton and Jason Ward have been voted to the Canadian AHL All-Star Team starting lineup for the 2003 Dodge AHL All-Star Classic to be held on February 2nd and 3rd at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine.
The Hamilton Bulldogs will have a franchise record five players particpate in the 2003 Dodge AHL All-Star Classic as Bulldogs' Canadian All-Stars Garon, Gratton and Ward, will face-off against Bulldogs' goaltender Ty Conklin and defenceman Mike Komisarek, who will represent the PlanetUSA All-Stars.
Garon, a 24-year-old native of Chandler, Quebec, currently has a sparkling 1.98 goals against average, which is tops in the AHL. The 6'02, 192 pound goaltender has posted a .928 save percentage (2nd in AHL), two shutouts and a winning record of 11-2-1 this season. This will mark Garon's first appea! rance in the All-Star Classic.
Gratton, a 5'11, 194 pound centre, will also be making his second All-Star appearance. Gratton, the AHL's leading scorer, has had an outstanding season in Hamilton thus far and leads the league in many offensive categories including: points (55), assists (36) and game-winning goals (8). The native of Montreal, Quebec also sits second in AHL goals (19) and plus/minus (+22). Gratton also earned Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week honours back on December 2nd.
Ward, the AHL's second leading scorer, will play in his first AHL All-Star Classic. The native of Chapleau, Ontario, has enjoyed a great season as he rates second in AHL goals (19), assists (32) and points (51). The 6'03, 200 pound winger leads the Bulldogs in power play goals (7) and shots (114). Ward was also named Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week for the period ending December 29th, as he scored 3g-6a-9pts in! 3 games.
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 first place Hamilton Bulldogs will look to extend their road winning streak to 11 games tonight as they travel to Albany to take on the River Rats. Bulldogs fans can follow all the action, beginning at 6:45 p.m. on 820 CHAM-AM and on-line at www.hamiltonbulldogs.com.
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