Photo: AHL
After the NHL All-Star Game wrapped up, the AHL held their own all-star skills competition in Utica, New York. The Caps-affiliated Hershey Bears were well-represented at the event with Philipp Grubauer, Connor Carrick, and veteran Tim Kennedy competing for the Eastern Conference.
According to The Patriot-News’ Tim Leone, Grubauer won the AHL’s top goaltender award after stopping 16 of 19 shots. That’s cool. Then there’s Carrick.
The 20-year-old defenseman, who spent a large chunk of last year in Washington, unleashed a 98 MPH slapshot during the Hardest Shot competition, which is kind of surprising. His three scores, according to Chocolate Hockey, were 93 MPH, 98 MPH, and 93.2 MPH.
Video via @myregularface
If Carrick would have participated in the NHL All-Star Game, his second shot would have ranked fifth, between Steven Stamkos (98.8 MPH) and Brent Burns (97.6 MPH). He would have beat Dustin Byfuglien (97.3 MPH). That’s good company.
In the AHL event, Carrick finished sixth. Four guys topped 100 MPH. Kings prospect Colin Miller won the competition after posting a 105.5 MPH score.
Afterwards, Carrick joked about his accomplishment during an on-ice interview. “Once the guys get into the triple digits, 98 looks pretty soft,” Carrick said. “So I’ll have to live with it.”
Video via @myregularface
Coming into the All-Star break, Carrick was on a bit of a hot streak, recording seven points in his last four games. He has 27 points in 40 games total this season.
Sitting between a Lehigh Valley Phantom, and a Wilkes Barre Penguin. The rivalries can wait I guess. @TheHersheyBears #AHLAllStar
— Connor Carrick (@connorcarrick) January 26, 2015
This is what your phone looks like after shooting 105.5 @Colin6Miller #AHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/ff3AdV0tBz
— Connor Carrick (@connorcarrick) January 26, 2015
“@TheAHL: He tweets. He shoots at 98 mph. He also signs autographs. That’s an #AHLAllStar. pic.twitter.com/0pvaGgnrCH” awesome experience!
— Connor Carrick (@connorcarrick) January 26, 2015
