Selanne Makes All-Star Push for Hebert

Duck right wing Teemu Selanne on Wednesday earned a starting spot on the World team for the NHL All-Star game Jan. 24 at Tampa Bay.

No surprise there.

Left wing Paul Kariya is expected to be named to the North American team’s starting lineup today.

No surprise there either.

But what of goalie Guy Hebert, who went into Wednesday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres with a 13-11-7 record and a 2.22 goals-against average?

Selanne believes Hebert should join Kariya when the remainder of the North American team is announced Tuesday.

The NHL, in consultation with league general managers, will select the reserves for each team.

“The way he’s played, he should be there,” said Selanne, who was last year’s All-Star game most valuable player.

“That’s my opinion. He’s carried this team a lot this year.”

Selanne has noticed a marked difference in Hebert’s personality and his play this season. He believes Hebert has learned to roll with the punches and is better for it.

“I think that’s a key, when you can relax and not think about hockey when you go home,” Selanne said. “There has to be a way to stay positive and find the fun there.”

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Defenseman Dan Trebil’s stay with the Ducks was a short one. He was returned on Wednesday to Cincinnati of the American Hockey League after appearing in one game.