JETS RELEASE

WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Former UMass Lowell Hockey All-American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (Commerce, Mich.) of the Winnipeg Jets was named to the National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star Game, as announced by the league office on Wednesday afternoon. 

Hellebuyck was named to the game for the first time in his career, which will be hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amalie Arena on Jan. 27-28, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. Hellebuyck and captain Blake Wheeler will represent the Jets in this year's All-Star festivities.

"You know, it's awesome," said Hellebuyck. "It's a big accomplishment in my life. Me and my family will enjoy it and I think Wheels will enjoy it as well."

Hellebuyck, 24, is in his third season in the NHL, all with the Jets franchise. He ranks third in the league in wins (23) and tied for fourth in shutouts (3). Among goaltenders with a minimum of 15 games played, he ranks second in winning percentage (.788), seventh in GAA (2.36) and 10^th in save percentage (.923). Hellebuyck's Jets have earned at least in point in his last nine starts (7-0-2) and he has two shutouts, a 1.86 GAA, and a .940 SV% over that span.

Hellebuyck is the third UMass Lowell alum in school history to be selected to the game. Former River Hawk goaltender Dwayne Roloson earned an Western Conference All-Star appearance in 2004 playing for the Minnesota Wild, while forward Craig MacTavish earned a spot in 1996 with the St. Louis Blues.

In two years with the River Hawks, Hellebuyck posted eye popping numbers with a 38-12-2 record in 52 career starts to go along with a 1.60 GAA, .946 save percentage and a school-record 12 shutouts. His save percentage currently ranks first all-time in the NCAA Div. I career record book, while his GAA is third best all-time.

During his final season in a River Hawk sweater, Hellebuyck amassed a 18-9-2 record and a 1.79 GAA and .941 save percentage with six shutouts while starting in 29 of 40 games. His GAA and save percentage ranked first nationally among Division I goaltenders, while his shutout total ranks second in the nation. Hellebuyck was a First-Team All-American, a First-Team Hockey East All-Star, was the winner of the inaugural Mike Richter Award and was the Hockey East Tournament MVP for the second consecutive season.