2011 All-Star Classic Game Recap

Thanks, Tux! Photo by Brian Mills

All Star games tend to remind me more of a Sunday morning pick-up game.  This one was no different.  I’m sure there were fans in the stands expecting to see the sort of hockey that we are accustom to here in Hershey, but anyone who has been around hockey for more than a couple years knew that wasn’t going to be the case.  All Star games are typically high scoring affairs with little defense.  This was the case this evening as well.

Hometown favorite and Eastern Conference All Star Andrew Gordon opened up the scoring just 16 seconds into the game.  By the way, that is a record for the quickest goal in an AHL All Star Game.  The West answered back with four goals of their own, but the East ended up tying the game up before the end of the First.

The second period was a little bit of a snore fest.  Half speed skating was the name of the game.  The East outscored the West 4-2 in the second bringing the game total to 8-6 in favor of the East.

Shortly into the third period controversy erupted.  Gordon scored again, but the tally was initially given to the West on the score board.  Former Bear and Captain of the East had some word with the officiating crew and all was put right in the world of scoring.  There was also a quick whistle at one point that cost the West a goal.  Oh, David Banfield! You silly ref, you!  When the third period came to an end, the East ended up on top by a score of 11-8.  Andrew Gordon had 2 points (2G) as did Brian Fahey (2A).  Braden Holtby remained sidelined for the game due to a minor left knee injury.

Bobby Butler of the Binghamton Senator was named MVP of the game.  He had one goal and three assists.

No stars of the game were named, however that won’t stop me from naming mine.

#3 Star of the game goes to Andrew Gordon for setting a record for the quickest goal in an AHL All Star game.

#2 Star of the game goes to Bobby Butler.  Hey, the kid was the MVP.  How can I argue with that?

And finally…..

#1 Star of the game goes to David Banfield.  Yes, Referee Banfield.  He managed to call a game without his arm in the air for half the time.  That counts for something!

Last, but not least enjoy some pictures from the game.

Photos

Braden Holtby and Brian Fahey

Braden Holtby

Andrew Gordon

You can’t have an All Star Game without some mascot hockey.

Andrew Gordon skates around a defender.

Brian Fahey protecting John Curry.

Brian Fahey ready for the faceoff.