Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene has been selected to represent the Avalanche at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game, the league announced today.  Duchene will make his first career All-Star appearance when the 58th NHL All-Star Game is played on Sunday, January 30, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. (2:00 p.m. MT, VERSUS).

Duchene, 19, is the Avalanche’s leading scorer with 43 points (18g/25a) in 43 games this season.  He also leads the club in goals and shots (107), and is tied for first in assists and games played. The Haliburton, Ontario native has collected 98 points (42g/56a) in 124 career games.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and honored,” said Duchene.  “It’s something you dream about to hopefully play in the NHL All-Star Game one day.  To be able to do that is a great honor and I’m very excited.”

Colorado’s first selection (third overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Duchene was the franchise’s highest draft pick since the team relocated to Denver.  He was named to the 2009-10 NHL All-Rookie Team and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy after leading all rookies with 55 points (24g/31a) in 81 games last season.

In addition to the All-Star Game participants, the league also announced today that Avalanche defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk will be one of 12 rookies to take part in the NHL All-Star activities.  The 12 rookies will be divided into two groups of six to compete in the Honda NHL SuperSkills® on Saturday, January 29.

Colorado’s first-round pick (14th overall) in the 2007 Entry Draft, Shattenkirk made his NHL debut on Nov. 4 and has gone on to record 20 points (5g/15a) in 31 games this season.  Despite spending the first month of the season in the American Hockey League, Shattenkirk currently ranks second among all rookie defensemen in scoring.

“Obviously I never thought, being called up a little into the season, that this would even be a possibility,” said Shattenkirk.  “It’s an honor to be selected among these other great rookies and to participate in the All-Star weekend.”