Justin Kinnunen selected for 2009 CHL All Star Game

Texas Brahmas defenseman to start for second consecutive season

The 2009 Central Hockey League All-Star game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14th at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colorado and today the CHL announced the starting line-up for the CHL All-Star Team that is scheduled to play the host team, Colorado Eagles.

For the second year in a row, Texas Brahmas defenseman Justin Kinnunen has been selected as a starter for the Central Hockey League's All Star Game.

Kinnunen has five goals and 10 assists on the season and is tied for the Brahmas team lead with a +10 plus/minus rating. He is currently eight assists short of 100. The Negaunee, Michigan native is in his fifth professional year and his second in the CHL. Kinnunen led all Brahmas defensemen in scoring last season with 43 points (11 G, 32 A).

"We are very proud of Kinnunen representing the Brahmas in the game," Dan Wildfong said about the announcement. "It is great to see him get the recognition from around the league."

Joining Kinnunen on defense will be Amarillo’s Sam Ftorek who led all blueliners with 21 votes. He is tied among all defensemen with 30 points on the season.

The starting forwards are Arizona’s Joel Irving, Rapid City’s Rich Hansen and Laredo’s Darryl Smith.

The top vote getter was Oklahoma City goaltender Andy Franck who received 37 of the 50 goaltender votes. As a result, he will start between the pipes for the second consecutive season.

The reserves will be announced tomorrow afternoon.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith