ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The American Hockey League announced today that Rochester Americans forward Zack Kassian has been named to the Western Conference All-Star roster for the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic. Kassian replaces Amerks defenseman Brayden McNabb, who is currently on recall to the Buffalo Sabres. The All-Star Classic will take place in historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Monday, Jan. 30.
Kassian, in his first full season of professional hockey, has recorded 21 points on 10 goals and 11 assists in just 25 games with the Amerks this season to rank fourth on the team in scoring. He also ranks tied for third on the team in goals and fifth in assists despite appearing in fewer games than each of the teams’ top six scorers, and is tied for the team-lead with eight power play points (2+6).
The 21-year-old rookie was recalled to the Buffalo Sabres on Nov. 24 and appeared in 18 NHL games with the Sabres, recording six points (3+3) and 13 penalty minutes. Kassian made his NHL debut on Nov. 25 against the Columbus Blue Jackets and collected an assist for his first career point. The following night, he scored his first NHL goal in a win over the Washington Capitals. At the time of his recall, Kassian was leading the Amerks in scoring.
Kassian made his professional debut on Apr. 30, 2011 when he appeared in three Calder Cup Playoff games with the Portland Pirates following the completion of a standout junior career that saw him win a Memorial Cup Championship with Windsor in 2010 and a silver medal in the 2011 World Junior Championship with Team Canada. In four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with Peterborough and Windsor, Kassian registered 192 points (71+121) and 358 penalty minutes in 213 games. A native of Windsor, Ontario, Kassian was selected by Buffalo in the first round (13th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
COURTESY ROCHESTER AMERICANS
