Vitek Vanecek named to 2019 AHL All-Star Classic roster
Hershey goaltender will represent the Atlantic Division on Jan. 27-28 in Springfield
The Hershey Bears in conjunction with the American Hockey League (AHL) are proud to announce Bears goaltender Vitek Vanecek as a participant in the 2019 Lexus AHL All-Star Classic on January 27-28. Bears Head Coach Spencer Carbery broke the news to Vanecek, as well as all players and staff on January 3.
Vitek Vanecek (@vitacz15) was all smiles when he learned he was going to the 2019 Lexus #AHLAllStar Classic! #HBH pic.twitter.com/pFzMzxKxiD
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) January 3, 2019
Vanecek is the first Bears goaltender to represent Hershey in the All-Star Classic since Philipp Grubauer in 2013. Grubauer is currently a NHL goaltender with the Colorado Avalanche and formerly with the Washington Capitals.
In his third season with the Hershey Bears, Vanecek has appeared in 89 games and holds a 39-30-11 record with a 2.75 goals against average, .902 save percentage and eight shutouts. This will be Vanecek’s first all-star selection.
NEWS: Vitek Vanecek (@vitacz15) has been selected to represent the Bears at the 2019 Lexus #AHLAllStar Classic in Springfield on Jan. 27-28. Congratulations, Vitek! #HBH https://t.co/LyzXnDoHT6 pic.twitter.com/PAqdjFhkWV
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) January 3, 2019
The news breaking was a proud moment for the 23-year-old, Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic native:
I came to America when I was 18 and I didn’t speak English. Nothing. Now I’ve learned a lot.
The 2019 Lexus AHL All-Star Classic will take place in Springfield, Massachusetts for the first time in 60 years. Tickets for the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic are priced at $39, $49, $59 and $99, and include admission to both the Skills Competition on January 27 and the All-Star Challenge on January 28. Ticket information is available online at http://www.springfieldthunderbirds.com/allstar.