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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Bomber named Captain Canada

Defenceman honoured to wear 'C' at AHL All-Star Classic

By: Tim Campbell

4/12/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 2

Nolan Baumgartner began his pro career in Portland and he’ll return to Maine as captain of the squad that will face Team Planet/USA. (KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES)

PEORIA, Ill. -- He witnessed the Mike Keane show in Toronto in 2007 and marvelled at all the right things.

Manitoba Moose defenceman Nolan Baumgartner will fill the same role at the 2010 AHL All-Star Classic, chosen by league president Dave Andrews as captain of Team Canada for the annual affair.

"It was great," said Baumgartner, who was Keane's all-star teammate but not Moose teammate at the time. The two are now tight friends. "Mike Keane is obviously a legend, especially around these parts and for a guy at his age and what he's accomplished, he doesn't even need to play the game anymore.

"For other guys who don't know him and were able to be there and play with him, it's kind of a nice eye-opener to see this veteran guy that loves the game and plays for the love of the game and plays to win a championship. He also plays to help younger guys to achieve a higher level."

That all-star interaction in Toronto was probably better off the ice, as Keane was not chosen for his dazzling skills or massive production. The conferring of respect in being asked to play such a role was a strong statement about how much the AHL values leadership.

Humbled as he was to get Andrews' call this week, Baumgartner is worthy of a seat on the same bus. Before he broke his finger last week -- he'll be back and ready in plenty of time for the all-star game -- the defenceman had been logging big minutes and contributing at a high level.

The 33-year-old former first-round pick of the Washington Capitals has played 739 AHL games plus 131 in the NHL. He has had two stints with the Moose, 2002-2005 and then from early 2008 until now, and follows directly in Keane's footsteps in terms of his love of the game.

"It's a huge thrill to play these games," Baumgartner said. "I've played in two before (2005, 2007) and it's a great time, a fun time for the fans and a fun time for (getting together with) the guys that you play against throughout the year.

"It's also just a great honour to be named captain of the Canadian squad. Being able to play in this league for a long time, well, I played four years in Portland and that's where the game is. It's going to be nice to get back there to see some people."

Baumgartner's first pro years were in Maine.

"I think the hockey was great and it was a life-changing experience for me," he said. "It was my first time in pro hockey. It was starting life as a real adult. Great memories from that."

Rochester's Graham Mink will captain the Planet/USA side.

tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 4, 2009 C3

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