AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Lamothe Tabbed for Canadian All-Stars

Published on January 3, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - Grand Rapids Griffins goaltender Marc Lamothe has been selected to play for the Canadian All-Star team at the 2003 Dodge American Hockey League All-Star Classic, the league announced on Friday. He will test his skills against teammate Mark Mowers, who was named a PlanetUSA All-Star on Thursday.

Lamothe has ranked at or near the top of the AHL's goaltending leaders throughout the season, while leading the Griffins to a 20-9-4-2 record and a first-place standing in the Central Division. The ninth-year pro, who will make his first appearance in an all-star game, is currently tied for the AHL lead with 14 wins and ranks among the league's best with a 2.10 goals against average (2nd), a 0.924 save percentage (5th) and three shutouts (T2nd).

The 28-year-old native of New Liskeard, Ontario, posted a team-record 13-game unbeaten streak (9-0-4) from Oct. 19 to Nov. 27. He was named the AHL's Player of the Week on Nov. 18, after earning consecutive shutouts and setting a franchise record for longest shutout streak (153:58).

Signed as a free agent by the Detroit Red Wings last summer, Lamothe recently served as Curtis Joseph's backup for four games (Dec. 6-14) due to an injury to Manny Legace, but he did not see any action. Lamothe's selection marks the fourth consecutive year and the sixth time in Grand Rapids' seven seasons that a Griffins goaltender has been chosen to represent his team in an all-star game. Martin Prusek, now with the NHL's Ottawa Senators, was selected to the PlanetUSA AHL All-Star team last season but did not play due to an injury. Mike Fountain (2001), Jani Hurme (2000), Ian Gordon (1998) and Pokey Reddick (1997) all participated in the International Hockey League's midseason classic. As a member of the Canadian AHL All-Stars, Lamothe will be teamed with two Binghamton Senators players who logged time in Grand Rapids last season.

Center Jason Spezza, the second overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, made his pro debut with the Griffins during the 2002 Calder Cup playoffs, and goaltender Ray Emery practiced with Grand Rapids as a member of the team's postseason roster.

The 2003 Dodge AHL All-Star Classic, pitting the Canadian AHL All-Stars against the PlanetUSA AHL All-Stars, will take place at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine. The AHL All-Star Game, which will be televised live in the United States and Canada, will be held on Monday, Feb. 3 at 7:00 p.m. EST, preceded by the Pepsi AHL All-Star Skills Competition on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Check out the Grand Rapids Griffins Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from January 3, 2003


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.

OurSports Central