The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and American Hockey League announced today that Penguins right winger Colin McDonald and defenseman Simon Despres have been selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star Team at the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic, to be held Jan. 29-30 in Atlantic City, N.J.

McDonald earns his second consecutive selection to the All-Star Classic having posted eight goals and 20 assists in 32 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Wethersfield, CT native is the team’s leader in assists (20) and points (28) and is currently tied for third in the AHL with a +17 plus/minus rating. Last season, McDonald led the league with 42 goalswhile skating with the Oklahoma City Barons.

Despres, 20, the Penguins first round pick in 2009, has already appeared in 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins this season, compiling a goal and three assists. Returned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on New Year’s Day, Despres has recorded three goals – all game-winners – and four assists in 27 games for the Penguins.

2011 First round pick Joe Morrow has been invited to Team Canada’s final selection camp for the 2011 World Junior Championships. The camp will be held in Calgary from December 10 - 14. The World Championships start on December 26th.

Morrow the top defenseman for the Portland Winterhawks, ranks third overall among WHL defensemen with 24 points this season.

Also invited to camp was 2011 second round pick Scott Harrington. Harrington is having an excellent season for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League.

Wilkes Barre (10-4-1) notched their 10th win of the season Tuesday night with a 3-0 shutout win over the Binghamton Senators. Goaltender Scott Munroe (1-1-1) made 25 saves to earn his first win of the year. Through five games Munroe has posted a 1.82 GAA and the Baby Pens continue to get great goaltending with Brad Thiessen leading the way, posting a 9-3-0 record thus far.

Farm Report

Wilkes Barre/Scranton (8-3-1) extended their winning streak to seven games with a 4-2 victory over Norfolk on Wednesday night. Eric Tangradi (7G-5A-12Pts) scored twice, Ben Street (1) and Simon Despres (2) added a goal.

Tangradi who has a team leading seven goals, is playing extremely well, averaging a point per game.

1. Joe Morrow - D

2011 1st round pick | Team: Portland, WHL

Stats:15 GP - 3 Goals - 12 Assists - 15 Pts - 32 PIM - -5