By Tim Campbell

HOUSTON -- His way is tunnel vision.

When Drew MacIntyre is preparing to play goal for the Manitoba Moose, he is focused, determined and almost trance-like as he readies for game action.

The 24-year-old native of Charlottetown mixes in some quirky habits and routines to that preparation, but since coming to the team last season, nobody has ever accused him of not being ready.

On Wednesday, MacIntyre found out he'll be facing a twist in his usual road later this month. He's been named to the Canadian team for the annual AHL All-Star Classic, which takes place Jan. 27 in Binghamton, N.Y.

All-star games are as much about showcasing talent as they are about fun, so can a goalie who doesn't have fun as a priority incorporate any at all into his game?

"I hope so," MacIntyre said after practice at Toyota Center on Wednesday.

Then he laughed out loud, knowing exactly what the question meant.

"I don't rely on my routine but that kind of stuff, if I prepare myself well then I feel like I have an upper hand on guys," he said, trying to explain how he sees himself preparing for a different kind of night. "This is going to be different. I'm going to try to have fun with it but at the same time I'm going to try to play well.

"I've always thought when watching (all-star games) it's a great chance for a goalie to strut his stuff. Against the best, you're going to get some odd-numbered situations. I've had lots of chances to watch these guys so I guess I'm going to get a chance to put my money where my mouth is."

Given the strides MacIntyre has made in the last two seasons, it's a good bet that fun will take a back seat, at least while he's on the all-star ice for the skills competition and his period of game action.

He has spent much of his pro time trying to prove his abilities and this honour, to represent the Moose at the All-Star Classic, only enhances his case.

"I'm sure a lot of people didn't think it would happen," MacIntyre said. "I've never really had (recognition). Twice in junior, but since then not at all.

"But I don't rely on those kinds of things. They're not that important but when it happens it's nice."

His coach, Scott Arniel, wasn't about to let the situation get away on Wednesday without pointing out just how much MacIntyre deserves to be representing the Moose at the all-star game.

"Two years ago in Grand Rapids when he was up and down (from the ECHL) and when Zinger (GM Craig Heisinger) brought him in here last year, I think he's had to prove to a lot of people that he was a goaltender that could play at this level and as we saw (three weeks ago) at the NHL level.

"Lots has happened to Drew in a very short period of time here and he's earned every (bit) of it. He's a very determined, very focused goaltender, if you watch some of his mannerisms, things he does to get ready for games. There's no better example of a guy that night in and night out prepares for games."

Arniel said that MacIntyre's numbers -- 14-7-1 with a .924 save percentage and a 2.25 goals against average -- behind a team that has had a depleted lineup on more nights than not tell an important story.

"I think that when you look at his save percentage, it's been sitting up near .930 most of the year and to me, that's a fact I look at," the coach said. "It means he's getting lots of shots and he's a guy that gives us a big boost when it comes to confidence."