Barons Host Guns N Hoses, Schultz Win Defenseman Of The Year

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Justin Schultz was named the winner of the Eddie Shore Award as American Hockey League Defenseman of the Year, the league's front office announced today.

After three seasons at the University of Wisconsin, Schultz, a 6-2, 185-pounder from Kelowna, B.C signed with Edmonton last summer, but began the season with Oklahoma City. His impact with the Oilers' AHL affiliate was immediate. He played in 34 games with the Barons and scored 48 points (18-30-48). That included a franchise record-tying 10-game point-scoring streak and a separate nine-game point-scoring streak.

Despite not playing in Oklahoma City since January 5, Schultz' 48 points, 18 goals and 19.6 percent shooting percentage is still tops among AHL rearguards. Bridgeport Sound Tigers' defenseman Matt Donovan is second in the league with 46 points (14-42-46) in 72 games.

This marks the third postseason award that Schultz has earned. He was named to the All-Rookie Team and was named a First Team AHL All Star last week. He also earned CCM / AHL Player of the Month honors for the month of October, CCM / AHL Rookie of the Month honors for the month of November.

Schultz is the first rookie in the 55-year history of the Eddie Shore Award to earn the honor. With the Oilers, Schultz has continued his solid play. Through 42 games this season, he is the top scoring rearguard on the team with 21 points (6-15-21).

The Barons continue their hunt for a playoff berth with three home games this weekend. Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20, the Barons host the Abbotsford Heat at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 21, the close out the regular season against the Houston Aeros at 4 p.m. All three games can be heard on the Barons flagship station, 96.1 KXY.

The Barons are celebrating military and first responder service at their home game April 19 against the Abbotsford Heat.

Faceoff for the Barons game is at 7 p.m., but the action starts at 3:45 p.m. when a group of police and fire fighters from Oklahoma City square off with a group of police and fire fighters from Dallas. The group is competing for the Chad Peery Cup, named for the Oklahoma City police officer permanently injured two years ago attempting to break up an altercation. Peery died Monday from injuries sustained in a rollover accident over the weekend.

Tickets for the game allow fans to watch the pregame contest between the first responders. Fans wishing to attend the game at 3:45 p.m. are asked to enter the building after 3:15 p.m. from the Northeast entrance. Seating for the Guns-N-Hoses game is limited to sections on the East side of the Cox Convention Center.

A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through the Barons office for this night benefit the Chad Peery Foundation. Fans will need to mention "Guns n Hoses" when calling the Barons office for the funds to be donated to his foundation. Representatives from the Chad Peery Foundation will have a presence on the concourse during the game. Donations will be accepted during the game.

One thousand red, white and blue rally towels with the Barons logo will be given to the first 3,000 fans through the doors.

The colors are being presented by a group of active military as well as a group of retired military personnel.

For the second consecutive season, the Barons are participating in their Seats for Soldiers program. Individuals or companies may purchase tickets for the game on April 19 that will be donated to local retired and active duty military service men and women. Last season, the Barons donated over 500 tickets.