The 2013 Dunkin’ Donuts AHL All-Star Classic came to an end on Monday night as the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference in the 2013 AHL All-Star Game, 7-6, breaking a tie game in the final seconds.  Right wing Tyler Toffoli represented the Monarchs in his first AHL All-Star appearance. 

Toffoli represented the Monarchs well, scoring a goal and an assist in the AHL All-Star game.  Toffoli also showcased his abilities in the 2013 Pepsi Skills Competition on Sunday when he participated in the EA Sports Rapid Fire contest and the H&R Block Breakaway Relay competition.

“It was fun and it was good to meet some of the guys,” said Toffoli of his All-Star weekend experience.  “I didn’t know very many of them.  It was definitely a really good learning experience and I am happy I had the chance to go.”

Of all the great events going on around the AHL All-Star Classic each year, the Skills Competition stood out to Toffoli as his favorite among this year’s events.

“I think the Skills Competition was the most fun,” reflected Toffoli.  “I didn’t really think it was going to be that fun.  I thought it was going to be a really long day and everything but it wasn’t long at all and the guys had a great time with it.”

Toffoli has already put the All-Star Classic behind him as he is solely focused on the Monarchs hopes of making the 2013 Calder Cup Playoffs.

“I think as a team, we need to win more games and be ready to play 60-minute games,” stated Toffoli before boarding the team bus to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton where the team plays on Friday night.  “I think that is going to be big going down here in the final stretch of the regular season.”

Toffoli’s linemates during the All-Star Game were Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins center Chad Kolarik and Hershey Bears center Jeff Taffe. 

“It will be cool and it should be interesting,” said Toffoli of seeing both of his All-Star linemates on the other bench this weekend.  “I don’t think it will be as big a rivalry with us since we are all skilled guys that played together but it will be cool to see them.  I am excited to make my first trip out to Wilkes-Barre and Hershey.”

The Monarchs will have their work cut out for them with two quality opponents that trail them in the Eastern Conference standings by only one and two points, respectively.

“It is going to be two hard games and I heard that they are both good rinks to play in,” reasoned Toffoli.  “I am really excited for the opportunity and hopefully we can win some games.”

Toffoli and the Monarchs are on the road this weekend but return home next weekend for their third annual Pink In The Rink game against the Providence Bruins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 9.