The Binghamton Senators took a moment out of a what has become a difficult season as they were represented in the 2015 AHL All-Star Classic by both defenseman Chris Wideman and forward Shane Prince in the events that took place in Utica, NY over the weekend.
The dual represented the East in their first appearances in their professional careers.
In Sunday’s skills competition Prince won his round in the Puck Control Relay Event vs Chicago’s Ty Rattie as he got the early jump from the gate. In the Accuracy Shooting Prince hit the crossbar multiple times in ending up one for eight. Wideman scored twice in the Pass and Score but failed in the Breakaway Relay as he had some playful words exchanged with the miked up goaltender he faced in Utica’s own Jacob Markstrom after he hit the corner post. The East went on to win 15-11 over the West.
"Since he hadn’t expected to be taking part in the All-Star Classic, Prince and four Senators teammates booked a getaway to Florida for the break. Cole Schneider, Derek Grant, Fredrik Claesson and Daniel New were also making the trip..That’s OK, said Prince. I couldn’t pass this up. It’s a great accomplishment and a great honor to be here. ~Kevin Oklobzija of the Democrat & Chronicle"
On Monday, the actual game took place with the West defeating the East 14-12 where the two teams combined for 99 shots. Prince ended with a hat trick and an assist while Wideman was a +1 and had one shot. Obviously there wasn’t much to say defensively as the offense controlled throughout the contest taking turns peppering shots. As the game ended up with four players three goals, Prince was the lone representative of the Eastern Conference.
Great experience in my first @TheAHL all star game! Thanks to the great fans in Utica for making it such a special few days! #AHLAllStar
— Chris Wideman (@Chris_Wideman) January 27, 2015
Last years format was much more competitive as the AHL took on the Färjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League even if the 7-2 score indicted differently. Perhaps they will return to that type of play in the near future as this game had its moments of boredom.