Thompson, Whitney Enjoy AHL All-Star Classic

Published on January 26, 2015 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


UTICA, NY -- When asked before the 2015 AHL All-Star Game for a final score prediction, Albany Devils left winger Joe Whitney joked it would be a 2-1 game if they play "Devils hockey." The two time all-star was only off by 23 goals.

The Western Conference skated away with a 14-12 victory against the Eastern Conference Monday at Utica Memorial Auditorium. The 26 combined goals set an AHL record for most tallies in an all-star game. Whitney registered a goal and fellow Devil Paul Thompson registered an assist.

We won't mention what their plus-minus was.

"About 30 seconds in you realize that backchecking was not even an option," Thompson said. "It would be frowned upon."

Like most all-star games, the AHL midseason showcase was more about celebrating the game and the fans. A sentiment that wasn't lost on Thompson or Whitney.

"It was a fun game," Whitney said. "It would have been nice to win, but I had a good time and there were a lot of good players out there."

Thompson said: "It was a lot of fun. I think that was the main thing you want to do heading into a weekend like this is have a good time and put on a good show for the fans. I think 27 goals or whatever it was was probably a fun one to watch."

Hamilton's Charles Hudon and Utica's Jacob Markstrom shared the MVP honors. Hudon had three goals, an assist and was a +4. Markstrom made 16 stops in front of the home crowd.

The contest featured zero penalty minutes and as many hits. Not surprisingly, the night was an exhibition of skating, shooting, passing and -- credit to the six goaltenders -- many spectacular saves.

"As the game went on, I think, the intensity picked up," Thompson said. "It's just a fun exhibition game, so nobody did anything too crazy. We tried to make a push. All in all it was just a good, fun game."

"I was kind of floating around waiting for the puck," Whitney said. "It was still fun and there were some good goals and good saves. It was fun to watch."

Thompson and Whitney will enjoy Tuesday off before the Devils travel for their game Thursday against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Thursday at 7:05 pm. With 33 games remaining on the schedule, Albany is setting up for a tough finish to towards the Calder Cup Playoffs. The team is tied for eighth with a 20-14-4-5 record.

"I hope i didn't pick up any bad habits there," Whitney said. "It will be good to get back and get started for the second half."

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American Hockey League Stories from January 26, 2015


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