Rookie defenseman Vince Dunn has been selected to represent the Chicago Wolves at the 2017 American Hockey League All-Star Classic in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 29-30. The 20-year-old will replace original All-Star selection Brad Hunt, who’s playing for the Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League.
“He has really improved as a player,” said head coach Craig Berube. “He’s always had offensive skills, but he has even brought them up from where he was. Defensively, he’s a lot better. You can see by his plus-minus (rating). He’s on the power play. He’s doing a lot of good things.”
Dunn will join teammate Kenny Agostino, the league’s leading scorer, as a first-time AHL All-Star selection. The duo will skate for the Central Division squad.
The youngest player on the Chicago roster, Dunn is leading the eight-man rookie class in points (22) and assists (15). He’s also the Wolves’ top-scoring defenseman with six multi-point performances and a five-game point streak from Jan. 3 to 11 that included two goals and seven assists.
The former Niagara IceDog made his professional debut on Oct. 15 against the Grand Rapids Griffins and collected his first pro points – a goal and an assist – in that contest.
During the AHL All-Star Skills Competition on Sunday, Jan. 29, Agostino and Dunn will compete for the Western Conference against Eastern Conference all-stars in one of seven skills events. The competition begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet Chicago Plus.
At 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, the Wolves’ representatives will skate for the Central Division in a round-robin three-on-three tournament that will culminate with a six-minute three-on-three championship game. The event will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.
Prior to the all-star break, the Wolves travel to Cleveland for two games against the Monsters at Quicken Loans Arena. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. for both games, Thursday (Jan. 26) and Saturday (Jan. 28).
Chicago resumes action following the all-star break with two home games at Allstate Arena. On Friday, Feb. 3, the Wolves take on the Central Division-leading Grand Rapids Griffins at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on The U Too. On Saturday, Feb. 4, Chicago faces its Illinois Lottery Cup foe, the Rockford IceHogs, at 7 p.m. The contest will air on CW50. For ticket information or complete 2016-17 game and broadcast schedules, visit ChicagoWolves.com.
