Former River Rats defenseman Bryan Helmer, now with Hershey, will captain the Canadian all-star team at the AHL's annual festivities. The rest of his team was announced today.

None of the current River Rats were selected, but there will be an ex-Albany influence on the club, led by Helmer. Joining him are Wilkes-Barre/Scranton forward Chris Minard, the AHL's goal-scoring leader, and Providence defenseman Johnny Boychuk, both of whom were voted to the starting lineup.

Defenseman Kyle Cumiskey of the Lake Erie Monsters was also selected to participate. Boychuk and Cumiskey were teammates on the 2006-07 Rats; Minard was here for a short stint in 2005-06.

The PlanetUSA all-star team will be announced on Wednesday. At least one of the Rats will be represented, who I'd guess to be Jakub Petruzalek. Any other thoughts?

Here is the entire Canadian all-star roster:

FORWARDS
Steve Downie, Norfolk
x-Alexandre Giroux, Hershey
x-Claude Giroux, Philadelphia
Mike Iggulden, Bridgeport
Jason Krog, Manitoba
Corey Locke, Houston
Brett MacLean, San Antonio
Mark Mancari, Portland
x-Chris Minard, W-B/Scranton
Cal O'Reilly, Milwaukee
Teddy Purcell, Manchester
Martin St. Pierre, Providence
Mike Santorelli, Milwaukee

DEFENSEMEN
x-Johnny Boychuk, Providence
Kyle Cumiskey, Lake Erie
Cody Franson, Milwaukee
Bryan Helmer, Hershey ("C")
x-Derek Joslin, Worcester
Andrew MacDonald, Bridgeport
Brett Palin, Quad City
Danny Syvret, Philadelphia

GOALTENDERS
Mike Brodeur, Rochester
x-Brian Elliott, Binghamton
Barry Brust, Houston

x- starters

Head Coach: Bob Woods, Hershey
Assistant Coach: Mark French, Hershey
Athletic Trainer: Matt White, Worcester
Equipment Manager: Vinny Ferraiuolo, Worcester