Around the League: ECHL 2/22/10

Bakersfield has been selected to host the 2011 ECHL All-Star Classic. This is the first time the All-Star game will be held in Bakersfield, who will be celebrating 16 years of ECHL hockey next season. The 2011 All-Star game is scheduled for January 26.

Bakersfield, who ranks in the top 20% of minor league hockey attendence nationwide and 5th in the ECHL, is an ideal setting for the 2011 Classic due to it's enthusiastic hockey fan base. Not only will Bakersfield receive the honor of hosting the match, but the competition draws fans from across the nation and generates over $1 million in revenue for the hosting town. This will be the second consecutive All-Star Classic to be held in a National Division city; the 2010 game was hosted by Ontario.

Three Utah Grizzlies attended this year's All-Star Classic in Ontario: Ryan Kinasewich, AJ Perry, and Vic Bartley. DVDs of this season's game can be purchased at the ECHL's website for $15.

And now for your other ECHL headlines . . .

American Conference
NORTH:

The Cincinnati Cyclones (35-17-1-2) are currently pushing double digits with an unbeaten streak of 10 games.

Forward Andrew Fournier of the Kalamazoo Wings (27-17-4-3) celebrates 100 games in his professional career.

Evan Rankin of the Toledo Walleye (28-23-1-3) scored five goals on February 19, against Charlotte. Ouch!

The Wheeling Nailers (27-25-2-2) are currently in the midst of a 4 game losing streak.


EAST:

League points leader Tyler Donati picked up his first career hat trick and is in the middle of a 9 game goal-scoring streak for the Elmira Jackals (30-18-3-2). That's the longest since Tom May's 10 game streak last season.

Olivier Labelle returned to the Reading Royals (25-23-1-3) lineup this week after being on the IR since January 23, and missing 8 games.

Matt Volkes of the Trenton Devils (22-23-4-5) scored four goals in the Devils' fourth straight win on February 21.

The Johnstown Chiefs (14-32-5-3) have partnered with the Johnstown Area Heritage Association for a Heritage Day which offers discounted tickets to visitors to the museum.


SOUTH:

The Carolina Stingrays (35-15-4-5) president is moving up to the AHL. Darren Abbott will take over as the AHL Monarch's president in February.

The Florida Everblades (28-19-4-5) currently hold the season record for games going to shootouts at 11 so far this season.

It's kind of old news by now, but the Charlotte Checkers (29-17-3-3) have officially received approval to move to the AHL next season.

The Gwinnett Gladiators (25-23-3-2) are holding their second blood drive of the season. The slogan? "Give Blood. Play Hockey. (Or just donate. It's less painful)"


National Conference
PACIFIC:

The Bakersfield Condors (28-18-4-1) have been selected to host the 2011 ECHL All-Star Game.

Brad Rowbotham of the SC Hockey Franchise Corporation signed an asset puchase agreement acquiring the Stockton Thunder (24-18-2-6) on Monday.

The Las Vegas Wranglers (22-24-4-2) signed defenseman Mat Deschamps to a contract this week.

The Ontario Reign (21-25-3-4) have won their last 3 games. Nice job for the Reign.


WEST:

Ashton Rome has returned to the Idaho Steelheads (34-12-1-4) from the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

The Victoria Salmon Kings (30-19-4-2) enjoyed their time this past week playing at the E-Center, which hosted the Winter Games in 2002.

Frank Doyle of the Alaska Aces (26-23-3-2) has signed a PTO with the AHL's Worcester Sharks.

Ryan Kinasewich, who currently ranks third in both point and goal leaders in the ECHL, returned to the Utah Grizzlies (24-21-2-5) this week from the AHL's Sound Tigers. Welcome back, Kinasewich!