Top prospect Simon Despres named to AHL All-Star game

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.