McKenna Named to Atlantic Division All-Star Team for 2016 Toyota AHL All-Star Classic

January 28, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, announced Thursday that Pirates goaltender Mike McKenna has been named to the Atlantic Division All-Star team for the 2016 Toyota AHL All-Star Classic that will be held January 31 and February 1 in Syracuse, N.Y. McKenna's will join Pirates' Defenseman Cameron Gaunce and Center Rob Schremp in his first ever all-star game appearance.

"Rob, Cameron and Mike have been leaders both on the ice and in our community," said Portland Pirates COO Brad Church. "They will represent the Pirates and the Florida Panthers very well and I am excited to see them compete with the AHL's best players in Syracuse."

McKenna has appeared in 30 games for Portland this season and has a record of 20-8-1 with a 2.27 goals-against average, a .918 save percentage and one shutout. The St. Louis native collected his 12th straight victory on January 16, 2016 setting the franchise record for consecutive wins by a goaltender, previously held by Jhonas Enroth, who won 11 straight from January 26-Febuary 24, 2010. McKenna stands just three wins away from tying Enroth's 74 career wins with Portland

"I am first and foremost very proud of him," said Portland Pirates Head Coach Scott Allen. "Just like with our two other guys, I am very happy for not only them but their families, it's a huge honor. Mike has played well for us lately and this opportunity is well deserved."

"Having an All-Star at all three positions is a great testament to our overall team's performance in the first half and a bright reflection of the Panther's commitment to their player development plan and continuing organizational success for many years to come," added Church.

Originally drafted by Nashville in 2002, McKenna is in his 11th professional season in 2015-16 and has played 362 career American Hockey League games, posting a record of 179-138-21, a .2.69 GAA, a .913 save percentage and 23 shutouts. He's made 22 career appearances in the NHL with Tampa Bay, New Jersey, Columbus and Arizona.

The 32-year-old made his NHL debut on February 3, 2009 versus the New York Islanders after Olaf Kolzig went down with a season ending injury. The following day he made his first NHL start against Pittsburgh, shutting the Penguins out through two periods before losing 4-3 in overtime. McKenna earned his first NHL win and shutout on February 7 with a 28 save, 1-0 home win against the New York Islanders less than a week into his NHL career.

The goaltender is the third Pirates player to be named to the Atlantic Division All-Stars for the 2016 Toyota AHL All-Star Classic, joining Defensemen Cameron Gaunce and Center Rob Schremp. This will be the first time since the 2010 AHL All-Star Classic in Portland that three Pirates players will participate in the Skills Competition and All-Star Game. That year, forwards Nathan Gerbe and Tyler Ennis, and defenseman Mike Weber represented the Pirates in the Eastern Conference All-Stars.

A limited number of tickets for the two-day 2016 Toyota AHL All-Star Classic are still available. Tickets can be purchased either in person at the Syracuse Crunch office located in the War Memorial Arena at 800 South State Street in Syracuse, by calling (315) 473-4444 or through all Ticketmaster outlets.

The Portland Pirates are back home on Friday to conclude the Eimskip Port-to-Port Challenge Cup against the St. John's IceCaps. Get there early for Happy Hour at the C.N. Brown Landing starting at 4:56. It's also Go Red Night to benefit the American Heart Association. Fans are encouraged to wear red to help the Pirates raise awareness of women's heart health. College students get $4 off a main deck ticket, courtesy of Sun Tan City when they show a valid college ID at the Trusted Choice Box Office. Call 207-Pirates for tickets or visit PortlandPirates.com.



American Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2016


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