Niedermayer to play in All-Star Game

Jan 22, 2008 - 8:54 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Despite playing in only 17 games this season, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer will participate in Sunday's NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta.

The league announced Tuesday that Niedermayer and teammate Corey Perry have been added to the Western Conference roster, giving the defending Stanley Cup champions a league-high four players in the contest.

Niedermayer and Perry join Chris Pronger and Ryan Getzlaf, who were named to the All-Star squad on January 10.

After contemplating retirement, Niedermayer, 34, rejoined the Ducks on December 16 and the team has gone 12-3-2 since his return, the NHL's best mark during that span. He has registered two goals and nine points.

Last season's Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Niedermayer will be making his fifth All-Star Game appearance. He also was selected in 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2007.

Perry, 22, will be playing in his first All-Star contest. He leads the Ducks in goals with 26 and ranks second on the club in scoring behind Getzlaf with 45 points.

Perry (22 years, eight months) is the youngest Anaheim player in the All-Star Game since Paul Kariya (22 years, three months) in 1997.