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The Ohio Connection: 2017 AHL All-Star Classic Edition

This weekend the Cleveland Monsters will be represented by Oliver Bjorkstrand, Anton Forsberg, and Ryan Craig at the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic.

They aren’t the only ones attending the All-Star Classic with a connection to the great state of Ohio. There are four players and a coach who are also hold the connection.

Michael Leighton (Goalie – Charlotte Checkers)

Michael Leighton and a 2015 third round draft pick were traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Steve Mason at trade deadline for the 2012-13 season. His role was to back up Sergei Bobrovsky.

Due to the shortened season, Leighton never saw ice time with the Blue Jackets and entered the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

Jack Roslovic (Forward – Manitoba Moose)

Jack Roslovic is about as Ohio as they come. Born and bred in Columbus, Roslovic skated for the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets as a Bantam Major, U16, and U18. Over the course of 68 games, he netted 43 goals and 51 assists.

After being drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2015 draft, Roslovic spent one season with Miami University (Ohio) where he tallied 26 points (10, 16a) across 36 games.

Todd Nelson (Coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins)

Todd Nelson’s brother, Jeff, played for the Cleveland Barons (AHL) during the 2002-03 season. In 80 games played, Nelson potted 60 points in the form of 12 goals and 48 assists.

Kerby Rychel (Forward – Toronto Marlies)

The Columbus Blue Jackets drafted Kerby Rychel 19th overall during the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He didn’t see ice time with the Jackets until November 29, 2014. During the 2014-15 season, Rychel spent five games with the Jackets and 51 with the Springfield Falcons.

Rychel split his time between the Blue Jackets and the Monsters during the 2015-16 season. He was an important piece to the Calder Cup Champions puzzle.

On June 25th, 2016, Rychel was traded to his hometown of Toronto in exchange for Scott Harrington and a conditional 5th round pick.

If you’re looking for a fun follow on twitter, I recommend following his cat.

Vincent LoVerde (Defense – Ontario Reign)

Vincent LoVerde played for Miami University (Ohio) from 2007-2011. In 159 games, he notched 6 goals and 30 assists. As well as, being a part of the NCAA (CCHA) Championship team in the 2010-11 season.

He led the team in blocked shots four seasons in a row.