by Amy Johnson, Lead Correspondent, AHL Report
UTICA, NY — The home of the Utica Comets once more became the center of attention in the American Hockey League on Sunday night when player representatives from teams all across the AHL gathered for the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic Skills Competition.
Chris Terry and Matt Taormina, two members of the leadership group for the Laval Rocket, were selected to represent the Canadiens’ AHL franchise this year, and they arrived in Utica with big smiles and plenty of skill to put on display.
In the talent battle between the Eastern and Western Conferences, there were plenty of highlights. Springfield Thunderbird Alexandre Grenier earned the CCM Hardest Shot competition with a blast clocked at 104.1 – the third-hardest ever recorded in the contest.
The quickest feet recorded on the night were those of John Gilmour from the Hartford Wolf Pack, whose 13.663 seconds in one lap around the rink earned him the CCM Fastest Skater title.
While Providence Bruin goaltender Jordan Binnington and Ontario Reign netminder Cal Peterson shared the CCM Top Goaltender title on the night, it was Peterson who became just the fifth goaltender to stop all 10 shots during the AHL Live Rapid Fire competition.
In the Shooting Accuracy contest, Taormina served as one of the passers for the Eastern Conference in this category, and helped his teammate Terry to earn one of the shared top spots on the night. Terry also competed in the Puck Control Relay where he bested T.J. Tynan and the Breakaway Relay.
Taormina participated in the Pass and Score event, the Breakaway Relay and the Rapid Fire competition.
Lead Correspondent Amy Johnson caught up with both of the Laval players before and after the event. You can listen to their full interviews in the player below!
Chris Terry Before Skills Competition
Chris Terry After Skills Competition
Matt Taormina Before Skills Competition
Matt Taormina After Skills Competition
