Two Worcester IceCats Selected to AHL's PlanetUSA All-Star Team

Published on January 2, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester IceCats News Release


WORCESTER, MA - The American Hockey League (AHL) today announced the 24-man PlanetUSA roster for the upcoming 2003 Dodge AHL All-Star Classic at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine and the squad included Worcester IceCats forwards John Pohl and Sergei Varlamov.

Selected to the starting lineup for the PlanetUSA Team by the fans, Pohl has had an outstanding first-half to his rookie campaign. The 23 year-old native of Rochester, Minnesota has garnered 15 goals and 23 assists in 36 games: 36(15/23/38). His 38 points rank him third in the AHL scoring race. He is also ranked first among all first-year players in the rookie scoring race. Pohl is second in goals among AHL freshman, while his 23 assists are third best. He currently is pacing the IceCats in all three scoring categories.

Selected by the St. Louis Blues with their 8th choice, 255th overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, John led the University of Minnesota to an NCAA National Championship and was first in the nation with 79 points during the 2001-2002 season. He has registered at least one point in 25 games this season, including an eight game scoring streak that saw him garner five goals and six assists: 8(5/6/11).

Varlamov, a 24 year-old left wing, was also selected to skate for the PlanetUSA squad. Selected by a committee of AHL coaches, he is heading to his first AHL All-Star Classic. The Kiev, Ukraine born winger is currently among the top 15 in the AHL in total points with 33: (13/20/33). Through 32 games, Varlamov has registered a team high and fifth place overall in the AHL with a 'plus 19' rating.

Originally signed as a free agent by the Calgary Flames in September 1996, Varlamov was acquired by the organization through a trade with the Flames on June 23, 2002. A member of the 2001 Calder Cup Champion Saint John Flames, Sergei has recorded nine multiple point games this season, including two four point efforts. In those nine games, he has obtained nine goals and 13 assists: 9(9/13/22).

The PlanetUSA team is made up of AHL players born in the United States and Europe. AHL fans determined the starting lineup via on-line balloting, while a committee of AHL coaches selected the remainder of the roster. A full roster can be viewed at worcestericecats.com and theahl.com.

The 2003 AHL All-Star Classic begins Sunday, February 2nd with the Skills Competition at 8:00 PM EST. The All-Star Game follows at 7:05 PM on Monday the 3rd. The game will be broadcast live in the United States and in Canada.

The Canadian All-Star roster will be announced tomorrow.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 2, 2003


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