The Syracuse Crunch announced today that the American Hockey League has named defensemen Radim Bicanek and Mike Gaul to the Second AHL All-Star Team.

Bicanek and Gaul become the first Syracuse players named to an AHL All-Star Team. It marks the second year in a row Gaul has earned Second AHL All-Star Team Honors.

In 64 games this season Bicanek has recorded 21 goals, 39 assists and 116 penalty minutes. Bicanek leads AHL defensemen with 21 goals and is third in scoring with 60 points. A native of Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic, Bicanek was selected by Columbus from Chicago in the NHL Expansion Draft on June 23, 2000. Originally selected by the Ottawa Senators with their 2nd choice (27th overall) in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, Bicanek was traded to Chicago by Ottawa for a 6th round draft choice in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft on March 12, 1999. Bicanek has appeared in 59 career NHL games with Ottawa, Chicago and Columbus, recording six assists and 26 penalty minutes.

Gaul has appeared in 68 games with Syracuse this season registering 15 goals, 44 assists and 78 penalty minutes. Gaul ranks fourth among AHL defenseman in scoring (59) and assists (44). He leads all AHL defensemen with 11 power play goals. A native of Lachine, Quebec, Gaul was signed as a free agent by Columbus on August 14, 2000. Originally selected by the Los Angeles Kings with their 10th choice, 262nd overall, in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Gaul signed as a free agent with the New York Islanders and was traded to Colorado by the Islanders in exchange for Ted Crowley on December 15, 1998. Gaul has appeared in two career NHL games with Colorado and Columbus.

The First and Second Teams are selected by AHL players and media in each of the League''s 20 cities. Each All-Star player will receive a custom designed ring in recognition of his selection as an AHL All-Star.

Pictured: Radim Bicanek, head shot, previous page. Mike Gaul, above.