News release
18 January 2007
UHL Commissioner Richard Brosal and Jackals Captain Brent Cullaton pose with Cullaton's UHL All-Star Classic MVP trophy in Fort Wayne (photo courtesy of Don Adams, Jr.)
Elmira, NY - The Elmira Jackals All-Stars shined Wednesday night in the annual midseason UHL All-Star Classic, culminating in Brent Cullaton being named the games MVP.
The activities started during the pregame when Jackals captain Brent Cullaton won the Fastest Skater competition. Cullaton was the first skater for either team and he turned in the best time of the night of 11.92 seconds (the only sub-12 second lap). He then had to skate head-to-head with Quad Citys Justin Chwedoruk in the Finals and the captain took him down by skating a 12.00 lap, edging Chwedoruks 12.26 effort.
Rookie defenseman Dale Lupul competed in the Hardest Shot event and Lupul unleashed a cannon shot at 95 mph, tying Muskegons Mike Watt. However, Watt won the tiebreaker and advanced to the Finals where he unloaded a 99 mph shot to narrowly defeat Rockfords Nathan Lutz, who hit 98 mph.
Jackals All-Star forward Scott Wray competed with other Eastern Conference teammates in the Breakaway Relay Challenge, but they were defeated by the Western Conference in the rapid-fire shootout.
Cullaton continued to put on a show once the All-Star Game began. Trailing 1-0 to the West, Cullaton scored the Easts first two goals, tying the game at 6:19, assisted by Todd Robinson and Nick Bootland, then he game the East its first lead at 11:08, assisted by Adam Elzinga and Robinson. After the West tied the game at two, Scott Wrays line cashed in to take a 3-2 lead, when Muskegons Mike Watt scored.
The West scored 19 seconds into the second period to take a 4-3 lead, but Cullaton recorded his first assist of the game as he set up Todd Robinson at 2:09. The Eastern Conference went on a 7-goal run, turning a 4-3 deficit into a 10-4 lead.
In the final minutes of the third period Cullaton finished off his 4-point night (2 goals, 2 assists) by combining with Todd Robinson to set up Jackals defenseman Dale Lupul at 18:06, scoring the final goal of the game in an 11-6 Eastern Conference Win.
Cullaton was named the All-Star Classic MVP for his 4 points and a +5 rating, becoming the first Elmira Jackals player to receive this honor. Immediately following the Cullatons stick was repossessed by the League and is currently being shipped to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto where it will be on display.
Elmira is back in action on Friday January 19th as they host the Quad City Mallards for the first of three straight games at First Arena. Face off Friday and Saturday nights is scheduled for 7:35 pm; Sunday will commence at 4:05 pm.