Nigel Dawes and Curtis Sanford Named 2010-2011 AHL Second-Team All-Stars

March 31, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release


SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The American Hockey League announced today that Hamilton Bulldogs left winger Nigel Dawes and goaltender Curtis Sanford have been named 2010-2011 AHL Second-Team All-Stars.

Dawes, 26, leads all Bulldogs in points with 62 (38 goals, 24 assists) and all AHL players in goals with 38. The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba spent the first half of the season with the Chicago Wolves before joining the 'Dogs following a trade from the Atlanta Thrashers organization to the Montreal Canadiens. Since joining the Bulldogs on February 24th, Dawes has recorded 18 points (11 goals, seven assists) including two hat tricks. The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba has also played in 13 NHL games for Atlanta and Montreal this season recording an assist. The 5-foot-9, 200-pound left winger has played a total of 212 NHL regular season games registering 84 points (39 goals, 45 assists) and 43 penalty minutes. Dawes has also competed in 226 career AHL games posting 223 points (114 goals, 109 assists).

Sanford, 31, currently ranks second among AHL goaltenders in both goals-against-average with a 1.93 GAA and save percentage with a .930 SV%. In 40 appearances for the 'Dogs this season, the native of Owen Sound, Ontario posted a record of 22-13-2 while matching a career-high for shutouts with five. Following a pre-season injury, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound goaltender made his season debut on November 2nd, winning eight of his first nine decisions, surrendering more than two goals only once. Sanford will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing successful shoulder surgery on March 16th.

Dawes and Sanford are Hamilton's seventh and eighth players to be named AHL Second-Team All-Stars. Sanford is the Bulldogs' second straight goaltender to be named to the team after Cedrick Desjardins was named in 2009-2010. Former 'Dogs named to previous year's teams include defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron in 2002-2003, left wing Ralph Intranuovo in 1996-1997, right wing Daniel Cleary in 1999-2000, centre Brian Swanson in 2001-2002 and goaltender Steve Passmore in 1998-1999.

The 2010-2011 AHL First-Team All-Stars were Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins goaltender Brad Thiessen, Portland Pirates defenceman Marc-Andre Gragnani, Houston Aeros defenceman Maxim Noreau, Oklahoma City Barons left wing Alexandre Giroux, Binghamton Senators centre Corey Locke and Portland Pirates right wing Mark Mancari.

The 2010-2011 AHL Second-Team All-Stars also include Binghamton Senators defenceman Andre Benoit, Manchester Monarch defenceman Viatcheslav Voynov, Hershey Beats centre Keith Aucoin, and Chicago Wolves right wing Darren Haydar.

Each All-Star Team member will receive a custom designed crystal award in recognition of his selection to the 2010-2011 AHL First and Second All-Star Teams.

The Bulldogs will travel to Cleveland for a 7:30 p.m. matchup against the Lake Erie Monsters on Friday, April 1st before returning to Copps Coliseum for their final regular season home game of the 2010-2011 season against the Manitoba Moose at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2nd. All regular season Hamilton Bulldogs broadcasts on AM 820 CHAM will begin with a pre-game show 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

Tickets for all Hamilton Bulldogs home games are available at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, any Ticketmaster Outlet, online at www.ticketmaster.com or through charge-by-phone at1-855-872-5000. For more information on 'Dogs season tickets, flex packs, mini packs and group tickets call 905-529-8500 ext. 179 or visit www.hamiltonbulldogs.com.



American Hockey League Stories from March 31, 2011


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