Johnny Boychuk. Image courtesy of providencebruins.com

Johnny Boychuk, fifth year defensemen for the Providence Bruins, was named a 2008-09 AHL First Team All-Star. One goalie, two defensemen and three forwards are selected by AHL coaches, players and media in each of the league’s 29 affiliate cities. Today’s accolade comes just one day after Boychuk was named a co-winner of the league’s CCM/AHL Player of the Month for March. This season, Boychuk has also won the P-Bruins’ Player of the Month in October  and the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week honor on October 20, 2008.

I was able to speak with Johnny today about the First Team selection, who expressed the honor in getting the award…

This season, Boychuk currently leads all AHL defensemen in several offensive categories. Amassing most points (63), goals (20), assists (43), power play goals (10), shots (273) and game-winning-goals (5). I asked Boychuk what he thought contributed to his high level of play. . .

Coach Rob Murray is happy with Boychuk’s selection…

Other members of the First All-Star Team include Manitoba Moose goaltender Cory Schneider, Hershey Bears forwards Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux, Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau of the Hartford Wolf Pack and Philadelphia Phantoms defenseman Danny Syvret.

You can catch Johnny Boychuk in action tomorrow as the second placed Providence Bruins host the top seed Hartford Wolfpack at 7pm.