ST. PIERRE AND BARKER SELECTED TO START IN THE ALL-STAR GAME

IceHogs get voted into the annual game by the fans

Rockford, Ill.- The American Hockey League announced on Wednesday the roster for Team Canada for the 2008 AHL All-Star game presented by Reebok and a pair of IceHogs skaters are on the roster. Center Martin St. Pierre and defenseman Cam Barker were two of six players voted to start for Team Canada by the fans.

St. Pierre currently ranks third in the AHL and first on the IceHogs with 46 points. The Embrun, Ontario native also leads Rockford with 33 assists on the season. After beginning the season in Russia, St. Pierre returned to North America and joined the IceHogs on Oct. 16.

Dating back to the beginning of the 2006-07 season, no player in the AHL has more points than St. Pierre (145). St. Pierre recently set the IceHogs franchise record for longest point streak, accumulating points in 15-straight games. The center also played in one game with the Chicago Blackhawks this season.

Barker was also voted to this year’s All Star Game. The defenseman is currently playing in Chicago with the Blackhawks. While with Rockford, Barker amassed 19 points in 29 games including eight goals.

The third overall pick in the 2004 NHL is skating in his second full season in the pro ranks. In eight games with Chicago entering Wednesday, Barker had a goal and an assist.

Overall, Team Canada features 24 players from around the AHL including 13 forwards, eight defenseman and three goalies all born in Canada. Fans voted on an on line poll conducted on the AHL’s official league Web site www.theahl.com.

The AHL will announce the Planet USA Team on Thursday. The 2008 All-Star Game presented by Reebok will take place on Monday Jan. 28 and is hosted by the Binghamton Senators at the Broom County Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, N.Y. at 6 p.m.

Next Home Game: Friday, Jan. 11 vs. Toronto Marlies. Game time is 7:30 p.m. The first 1,000 fans 21 and older to the game will pick up an IceHogs Jersey Koozie from Bud Light and WTVO-TV channel 17. Come and check out two of the top teams in the AHL do battle at the MetroCentre.