Hershey hosts AHL 75th anniversary all-star classic

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The American Hockey League will celebrate its 75^th anniversary season with the 2011 AHL All-Star classic in Hershey, Pa. on 30-31 January.
The game will feature the top young talent in the AHL who will compete in an All-Star skills competition on Sunday, 30 Jan and the All Star game on Monday, 31 January
The skills competition and game will be televised nationally on a variety of networks. For more information for your area, click here .
The Eastern Conference will be coached by Hershey Bears coaches Mark French and Troy Mann, while the Western Conference will be coached by John Hynes of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Jared Bednar of the Peoria Rivermen.
Each team consists of 23 players including 12 forward, eight defensemen and three goaltenders. Starting lineups were determined by fan balloting. A committee of AHL coaches selected the rest of the players.

The Texas Stars will be represented by forward Travis Morin, who was selected by the fans to start the game. The Brooklyn Park, MN native is in his second year with the Stars and has played in every game, including 24 playoff games last year.
“It’s obviously an honor to be selected,” Morin said.   “As you move up in the leagues, it’s kind of nice to be recognized for doing your job well. It should be fun.”
Through 44 games, Morin has netted 13 goals and 19 assists and leads the team with 32 points. He’s also a plus nine. Morin is no stranger to Hershey, having played several games for the Bears in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons.
In addition to the skills competition and game, this special weekend also features the AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony. This year’s inductees include Mitch Lamoureau, Harry Pidhirny, Maurice Podoloff and Larry Wilson.
For more information on the festivities, rosters, etc. click here .
Follow the game, ceremonies and other festivities at Pro Hockey News . contact the writer at: mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com