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Hamhuis Named an NHL YoungStar

Highly touted Nashville defenseman Dan Hamhuis adds another line to his rookie resume as he was recently invited to play in the NHL YoungStars game, an event that showcases the game’s finest young players. 

The third annual NHL YoungStars game will feature three 10-minute periods and the teams will play a 4-on-4 format.  The game will be played in St. Paul, Minnesota on February 7th, the night before the All-Star game.

Hamhuis joins San Jose’s Christian Erhoff and Edmonton’s Alexei Semenov as the only three defensemen to represent the Western Conference.  Hamhuis is the only Nashville Predator to participate in the game this year, joining David Legwand (2001), Scott Hartnell (2001) and Adam Hall (2002) as the four Predators to ever compete as an NHL YoungStar. 

Hamhuis, 21, ranks second among rookie defensemen in the NHL with four goals and ten assists in 53 games.  He also ranks second on the Predators and leads NHL rookies in average ice time this season.  The former first round draft pick blends physicality, offensive ability, raw speed and power. 

Upshall, Hutchinson AHL All-Stars

Forward Scottie Upshall and defenseman Andrew Hutchinson were recently named to the 2004 American Hockey League All-Star squad.  Upshall, playing in his first full season in the AHL, has notched eight goals and eight assists in 20 games with the Milwaukee Admirals.  The 20-year-old winger played seven games with the Nashville Predators picking up one assist.  Hutchinson has racked up 13 points in 27 games with the Admirals.  The 23-year-old defenseman was a surprise addition to the AHL All-Star game, however, his stellar play earned him some playing time in Nashville.  In 12 games with the Predators this season, Hutchinson added four points, including his first NHL goal on January 8, 2004, against the Colorado Avalanche.   

Jarrett, Klein OHL All-Stars

Defenseman Kevin Klein and forward Patrick Jarrett were also named All-Stars, each representing the Western Conference of the Ontario Hockey League.  After an inter-league trade that saw him moved to Guelph, Klein, a second round pick from the 2003 NHL Entry draft, posted 14 points in 27 games with 30 penalty minutes.  Jarrett boasts a team-leading 18 goals and 35 assists in 51 games this year for the Owen Sound.  The 20-year-old was also voted player of the month on his team in both November and January.

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