With less than a month to go until the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Tech CU, the Cleveland Monsters, top affiliate of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, announced Wednesday that defenseman Jake Christiansen, forward Trey Fix-Wolansky, and goaltender Jet Greaves were named as the team’s representatives.
The three Cleveland players, who will be joined by Monsters Head Coach Trent Vogelhuber (previously announced as the North Division’s head coach), are tied for the most players slated to compete at this season’s All-Star Classic from any one AHL club.
This is the first appearance at the AHL All-Star Classic for Vogelhuber, Fix-Wolansky, and Greaves. Christiansen participated in the 2023 Classic, replacing David Jiricek, who could not attend.
The League’s Leading Goaltender Gets Rewarded
The 2023-24 AHL season is setting up to be a career year for the 22-year-old out of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. In his third season in the professional ranks, Greaves leads all AHL goaltenders with 17 wins and ranks among the league leaders in minutes played (1208:04, 3rd) and saves (568, 3rd) this season.
Greaves has backstopped his team for 21 out of 33 games played so far this season. Always a calm presence in the crease, his team can play confidently knowing his lightning-fast reflexes and athleticism are behind them game after game. Plus, you never know when he might pull a surprise move to help out on offense!
As a first-time All-Star, Greaves expressed graciousness to his team, whose outstanding play is affording him the opportunity to represent them in San Jose.
He shares with AHL News Now that he looks at the event as a chance to not only enjoy, but also learn:
“I am very grateful and excited to be named as an All-Star this season. Going with Christy, Fix, and Voges makes it even more special as I’m looking forward to celebrating their accomplishments as well as those of our team as a whole. I believe the recognition that we are receiving is a testament to the work our whole team has been putting in this season and we are grateful to represent them. I’m most looking forward to meeting and getting to know players from other teams around the league and learning from them.”
Jet Greaves
He’s on pace for a career-best year as Greaves is currently 17-4-0 with one shutout, a 2.68 goals-against average, and a .913 save percentage. This is on top of a 1-1-0 record in two appearances for Columbus this season with a 2.52 GAA and .934 S%. Greaves currently ranks among the Monsters’ all-time franchise leaders in games played (93, 4th), wins (48, 4th), saves (2,390, 4th), and minutes played (5,213, 5th).
“It Really Shows Just How Well Our Team is Doing This Year.”
For Fix-Wolansky, being named to his first AHL All-Star Classic is yet another accolade to add to a stellar career year for the 24-year-old forward from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Fix-Wolansky leads all Cleveland scorers with 12 goals and 20 assists in 29 games played so far this season. His 32 points are tied for fifth-most in the AHL this season. Over the last few weeks, he’s also claimed Cleveland’s all-time franchise records for goals (72), assists (99), points (171), power-play goals (24), and game-winning goals (11, T1st).
Despite the individual success, Fix-Wolansky tells AHL News Now that this latest achievement truly reflects the team and what they’ve achieved together.
“It feels really amazing to be named to the All-Star team this year. Also, to be able to head to the All-Star game with not only my coach but also two of my teammates really shows just how well our team is doing this year. With our team success has come a lot of individual success, which has led to all of us going to the All-Star Game, and it’s super exciting. That weekend I’m excited to get to know other players around the league and take on the best players in the league in the All-Star game, as well as making some great new memories with my teammates and coach.”
Trey Fix-Wolansky
Since he exploded into the AHL in the 2019-20 season, Fix-Wolansky has been a defining player for the Monsters. A healthy mix of offensive talent, snarl, personality, and hockey IQ, Fix-Wolansky is a regular in Cleveland’s top six and on the scoresheet.
Now, he can also call himself an AHL All-Star.
“I’m So Happy That They Are Also Acknowledged For Their Hard Work.”
The lone returner from Cleveland’s contingent is Christiansen. Although, this is his first AHL All-Star Classic nomination where he is not replacing a previously announced player.
Ever the steady presence on Cleveland’s blue line, Christiansen is also a regular offensive contributor. His 24 points rank second on the Monsters and seventh-most for defenseman league-wide.
In 29 appearances for Cleveland this year, Christiansen has notched six goals and 18 assists while maintaining a +6 rating. His assists are also tied for sixth overall across the league for defensemen.
Like Fix-Wolansky, Christiansen is grateful for the nod and excited to share the experience with his coach and teammates.
“I’m thrilled to have been selected as an All-Star this year. I’m grateful for all my teammates in Cleveland; this recognition reflects our collective efforts as a team. They consistently contribute to our success as a winning team, and as a result, four of us have the opportunity to represent the Monsters at the All-Star Weekend. It’s going to be a lot of fun going with Coach Vogelhuber, Fix, and Jet, and I’m so happy that they are also acknowledged for their hard work.”
Jake Christiansen
He also shared with AHL News Now that seeing players out of the Western Conference in action is high on his list of things he’s most looking forward to. Plus, becoming teammates with their North Division rivals looks to be a highlight for him.
A left-shooting native of West Vancouver, BC, the 24-year-old defenseman quietly goes about his work, letting his results speak for itself. An undrafted player, he’s made a name for himself in the pro game, registering 118 points through 178 games in the American Hockey League.
Jake Christiansen can now hang his hat on being a two-time All-Star on top of multiple other individual awards across his hockey career.
The 2024 AHL All-Star Classic is to be held February 4-5 in San Jose, Calif.
