After a standout first half of his rookie season for the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League, former Griff Cory Conacher was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star roster. The AHL All-Star events were held last weekend in Atlantic City, N.J.

Conacher competed as a starting forward for the East and continued to shine by adding two goals and an assist during the game. Conacher also took part in the Sher-Wood Puck Control Relay and the Reebok Fastest Skater events in the All-Star skills competition. Conacher's performances in both competitions allowed the East to gain points.

The Western Conference swept both days of competition, defeating the East 18-10 in the Skills Competition and 8-7 in shootout victory during the All-Star game.

"The experience was absolutely unbelievable," Conacher said over the phone this week. "I got the chance to play alongside some of the best players in the league and the chance to make friendships with those who are my enemies. The league put on a great event and I had a lot of fun with it."

Anyone who knows Conacher knows how important his friends and family are to him, as he often attributes much of his success to the key people in his life. Conacher's favorite part of the All-Star experience was being able to have his family and friends there with him.

"They got the chance to experience everything that I got to experience," Conacher said.

The starters in the game were determined by a fan vote and Cory was given, as he put it, the "great honor" of being chosen as one of three starting forwards for the East. He once again gave thanks to those key people in his life.

"I have to give so much credit to my family, friends, the Norfolk Admiral fans and especially the Canisius College Golden Griffin fans that voted!" Conacher said excitedly.

When asked if he had anything he wanted to say to his faithful fans back at Canisius, Conacher showed nothing but thanks and gratitude. He thanked his dear friend Christina ‘Smiles' Gullo and others for the efforts in rallying people to vote for him to be an All-Star starter.

Furthermore, Conacher thanked the rest of the Canisius alumni, all of his teammates from Canisius, and lastly the coaches at Canisius, noting, "Without them this opportunity wouldn't have been possible."

Conacher also wanted his fellow Griffs to know that he misses them and hopes to see them soon, and that he plans to make a trip to Buffalo to visit after his season ends.

They say good things happen to good people and Conacher is certainly no exception.