HOUSTON - The Houston Aeros and the American Hockey League announced today left wing Jean-Guy Trudel and defenseman Curtis Murphy have been named to the American Hockey League First All-Star Team as voted on by players and media in the league’s 28 member cities.



This is Murphy’s first selection to the AHL First All-Star Team. He previously was a member of the International Hockey League’s First All-Star Team in 2000-01 as an Orlando Solar Bear. He currently ranks first among AHL defensemen with 21 goals and is second in blueliner scoring with 49 points. The Kerrobert, Saskatchewan-native has set a new Aeros record for defenseman goals in one season and he ranks third on the Aeros in scoring. Murphy is the only Aero to play in every game for Houston over the past two seasons. The fifth-year pro also played in five All-Star Games; three in the IHL from 1999-2001 and two in the AHL from 2002-03.



For Trudel, this is the fourth time he has been named to the AHL’s All-Star Team and he is only the 11th player in AHL history to be named to four consecutive All-Star Teams. He was a member of the First All-Star Team in 2000-01 when he led the Springfield Falcons in scoring and finished second in the league with 99 points. Trudel also was named to the Second All-Star Team in 2001-02 and 1999-2000 with Springfield. The Sudbury, Ontario-native currently leads Houston in goals (29), assists (48) and points (77). He ranks second in the league in points and fifth in assists. With 319 points in 301 games, no AHL player has recorded more points over the past four seasons than Trudel.



Houston hits the ice in Utah tonight for the first game of a three-in-three against the Grizzlies. Tomorrow, the teams face off again at the E-Center before traveling to Houston for Sunday’s 5:00 PM start at Compaq Center. The Aeros’ 2002-03 regular season wraps up at home with games against San Antonio on April 2 and 4. Grand Rapids is the final opponent on Saturday, April 5 on Fan Appreciation Night. Every fan in attendance wins a prize, and the Aeros will retire Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe’s jersey number nine.



2002-03 AHL First All-Star Team

Goaltender Marc Lamothe Grand Rapids Griffins

Defenseman Ray Giroux Albany River Rats

Defenseman Curtis Murphy Houston Aeros

Left Wing Jean-Guy Trudel Houston Aeros

Center Matt Herr Providence Bruins

Right Wing Jason Ward Hamilton Bulldogs




2002-03 AHL Second All-Star Team

Goaltender Maxime Ouellet Portland Pirates

Defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron Hamilton Bulldogs

Defenseman Brian Pothier Binghamton Senators

Left Wing Michel Picard Grand Rapids Griffins

Center Craig Darby Albany River Rats

Right Wing Mark Mowers Grand Rapids Griffins