John Gilmour Selected for AHL All-Star Classic

The American Hockey League have announced the roster for the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic that will take place in Utica, NY on January 28th and 29th.  The Hartford Wolf Pack will be represented by second year pro John Gilmour!  A well deserved recognition for the young defenseman.  In addition, former Rangers Brandon Pirri and Matt Puempel were selected as well by the league.  Chris Bourque, who is now a United States Olympian for the 2018 Olympics in South Korea, was selected as well and was a former Pack player.

John Gilmour last season struggled tremendously.  He was adjusting to the professional life and dealt with adversity throughout his rookie year.  He was on the ice at the wrong times, leading the team in the plus minus column negatively with -39.  He also recorded 6 goals, 19 assists for 25 points.  The offensive upside was there, but defense was the struggle. He was rookie dealing with the new intensity and speed of the game and it’s not shocking that he experienced some rough patches on his way to learning how to play the game the pro way.

Fast forward to this season, Gilmour looks like a new player.  He has begun living up to his potential and he has become one of Hartford’s go-to and most impactful players when he is on the ice.  His defensive game has improved for the better.  He actually knows how to respond to situations and mans the power play on the blue line.  He keeps his game simple defensively by blocking passing lanes and by forcing turnovers.  When needed, he will block shots.  Regarding John Gilmour’s upside on offense, he’s grown in that area as well.  The forward is six points away for matching his total points total from last season which is extremely impressive and shows just how much hes learned in the past year and a half of playing the pro game. Gilmour is a great story in Hartford.  He turned it around and will be able to grow his game more and more.

John Gilmour will meet Brandon Pirri and Matt Puempel from the Central Division.

Brandon Pirri leads the Chicago Wolves, notching 27 points in 29 games.  The forward notched 12 goals and 15 assists.

Matt Puempel leads the Grand Rapids Griffins in scoring with 27 points.  He recorded 13 goals and 14 assists in 27 games.  Unfortunately, the organization moved Matt Puempel to the Detroit Red Wings organization for Ryan Sproul but the move was necessary in order to obtain more defensive depth.

Chris Bourque will join John Gilmour in the Atlantic Division.  Chris Bourque is a dominant player in the league.  In Hershey, he leads the team in scoring with 39 points as he recorded 11 goals and 28 assists.

Ricky Milliner is a Hartford Wolf Pack season ticket holder. While growing up, he discovered hockey by attending a... More about Ricky Milliner

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