On Thursday, the American Hockey League announced replacements for Vince Hinostroza and Erik Gustafsson in the AHL All-Star Game. Rookie forward Matthew Highmore and defenseman Carl Dahlstrom will represent the IceHogs at the AHL All-Star weekend in Utica, New York on January 28-29.
Highmore, Dahlstrom Step Into AHL Spotlight For IceHogs
In December, the Chicago Blackhawks recalled Hinostroza from the IceHogs after posting 22 points (9G, 13A) in 23 games and has since posted nine points (3G, 6A) in 15 games since his call-up. For Gustafsson, his recall came earlier this month after playing in 25 games and scoring 17 points (3G, 14A) for the IceHogs this season. After the recalls, the IceHogs were left without representation in the AHL Central Division for the All-Star Weekend.
There was little question as to who would be called up for replacements, though, as Highmore leads the team in scoring with 26 points (17G, 9A) through 41 games and leads all AHL Rookies in shots on goal with 102 and Dahlstrom has already notched a career-high 19 points (3G, 16A) through 39 games this season, tied for the team lead for defensemen with Ville Pokka.
"It's a great opportunity to pick some guys' brains…it's an exciting time and we'll make the most of it"
➡️Hear from #IceHogs points leader, @MHighmore15, on his All-Star selection! pic.twitter.com/5PXevVr2rr
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) January 18, 2018
This marks the first AHL All-Star appearances for both Highmore and Dahlstrom, as well as the first major All-Star nod for either player in their young careers.
The AHL All-Star Weekend takes place on January 28 and 29 in Utica, New York. The AHL Skills Competiton will take place on Sunday the 28th before the AHL All-Star game on Monday the 29th. Both competitions will be broadcast on the NHL Network in the United States and on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW in Canada.