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Preds prospect Josh Shalla selected for 2013 ECHL All-Star Game…

When the Nashville Predators took Saginaw Spirit forward Josh Shalla in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, they probably envisioned him in a Milwaukee Admirals sweater, cutting his teeth and learning the speed and skill of pro hockey. But, due to the lockout, they find their prospect tearing up the East Coast Hockey League, the NHL’s “AA” league, instead. As a result, Shalla has been pegged for the 2013 ECHL All-Star Game on January 23.

The 2013 installment of the event will be hosted by the Colorado Eagles in Loveland, Colorado, a suburb of Fort Collins.

He’s had two cups of coffee with Milwaukee and amassed two points in his six games there but his real damage has come in the ECHL. With the Cincinnati Cyclones, Shalla has tallied 17 points in just 21 games. His 13 goals is currently tied for the team lead with Florida Panthers prospect Garrett Wilson but Shalla has done it in three less games.

The Whitby, Ontario native was a two-time 40-goal scorer in the OHL and he’s Saginaw’s all-time goal scoring leader with 119 goals. His 213 career points in a Spirit sweater are third all-time.

Nashville’s second round pick in 2007, Jeremy Smith, also played in the annual ECHL event representing the Cyclones.

The official press release is below.

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators announced today that rookie forward Josh Shalla has been selected to the 2013 ECHL All-Star Game in Loveland, Colorado on January 23.

Shalla, a fourth round selection by the Nashville Predators in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, currently ranks fifth on the team in scoring with 17 points (13 goals, 4 assists). His goal totals are tied for the most on the team. While he is also the ECHL’s leader in shooting percentage (30.2%), he places third among all league-player in game-winning goals (5). Shalla has registered points in 15 of his last 19 games.

The newest Cyclones All-Star will join the rest of the team on the ice in Fort Wayne this Friday night when they visit the Fort Wayne Komets at 8:00pm. Fans can hear all the action on the Cyclones Radio Network (FM 100.3 The FAN, CyclonesHockey.com, America One) beginning at 7:40pm!

The Cyclones will return to the ice at U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, January 5 when they play host to the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:30pm. It will be Throwback Night where fans can purchase $8 tickets while enjoying $1 John Morrell Hot Dogs, Donatos Pizza, Soda, and Beer! Plus, the game will also feature the annual Teddy Bear Toss; fans will be encouraged to bring a new or gently loved stuffed animal to throw onto the ice after the Cyclones first goal. The collection of plush will be donated to the Cincinnati Police Department. Call 513.421.PUCK or visit CyclonesHockey.com to reserve your seats! Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).