Ice Hockey: Hurtubise picks up honour of being named All-Star

Published on Tuesday 24 March 2009 08:37

MARK HURTUBISE of Edinburgh Capitals has been named in the All-Star First Team picked by British ice hockey journalists.

Doug Christiansen, the director of hockey at Capitals, said: "He deserves it. Mark has been our best player all year and he deserves every award he receives.

"He should have been in the running for the Player of the Year and he is not just a great player he is a great person off and on the ice."

Hurtubise was joined in the honours list by Edinburgh-born Tony Hand (Manchester Phoenix), who earned a place in the All-Star second team.

Glasgow-born Colin Shields (Belfast Giants) was the leading British points scorer in the Elite League.

Elite League All-Star First Team: Goaltender: Jody Lehman (Sheffield Steelers). Defencemen: Rod Sarich and Steve Munn (Sheffield Steelers). Forwards: David-Alexandre Beauregard (Manchester Phoenix), Paul Deniset (Belfast Giants), Mark Hurtubise (Edinburgh Capitals).

Elite League All-Star Second Team: Goaltender: Andrew Verner (Newcastle Vipers). Defencemen: Corey Neilson (Nottingham Panthers), Jonathan Weaver (Coventry Blaze). Forwards: Adam Calder (Coventry Blaze), Greg Chambers (Basingstoke Bison), Tony Hand (Manchester Phoenix).

Best British Netminder: Stephen Murphy (Manchester Phoenix). Best British Defenceman: Jonathan Weaver (Coventry Blaze). Best British Forward: Tony Hand (Manchester Phoenix). Best British Young Player: Robert Dowd (Sheffield Steelers)

Ice Hockey Annual Trophy (Leading British point-scorer in league): Colin Shields (Belfast Giants)

Meanwhile, Dave Matsos today has warned his success-hungry Sheffield Steelers squad: "Don't treat Edinburgh lightly."

The cunning Canadian coach, whose side take on Edinburgh in the end-of-season play-offs, have guided Steelers to the Elite League title but he wants more.

And he spied on eighth-placed Capitals in Sunday's final league game at Hull Stingrays.

Sheffield entertain Capitals at The House of Steel on Friday (face-off 7.15pm) and then in Edinburgh on Sunday (6.00pm).

Matsos said: "I'm pleased I've had another chance to see Edinburgh. It's going to be a tough series.

"They have won a lot of games recently so they are no push overs.

Last year as an eighth-placed team they only went out to first place Coventry by a goal and they have the ability to give teams a bloody nose.

"I have faith in my players though and we are a first-place club for a reason."