Providence, RI --Former Providence Bruins defenseman Nick Boynton was named to represent the Boston Bruins on the Eastern Conference Team at next month's 2004 NHL All-Star Game, it was announced on Thursday. He will join teammate Joe Thornton, who was voted in as a starter. Boynton becomes the second P-Bruins alum to play in the NHL All-Star Game. Glen Murray, who played for Providence in the inaugural 1992-93 season, suited up for the 2002-03 All-Star Game.


"I look back to when I first turned pro and was assigned to Providence," said Boynton. "I was disappointed at first, because when you're growing up, you always dream about playing in the NHL. But as I look back on my two years in Providence, I know that my time spent there is the reason that I am where I am now. My time in Providence was very important in my development."


Boynton, a 25-year-old native of Nobleton, Ontario, is playing in his third full season with Boston. He was the Bruins' first pick, 21st overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, and was named the P-Bruins' Rookie of the Year in 1999-2000. He was voted by his teammates as the P-Bruins' Best Defenseman in 2000-01. He was also the co-recipient of the team's Community Service Award in 2000-01. Boynton had 11-41-52 totals and 171 PIM in 131 games with Providence from 1999-2001. He played in six games with Boston over his first two seasons before making the team out of training camp in 2001-02. Boynton played in the 2001-02 NHL Young Stars Game, and was named to the 2001-02 NHL All-Rookie Team.


The 6'2", 211-pound Boynton currently leads all Boston defensemen in scoring with 2-14-16 totals and 61 PIM, and has played in all 49 games this season. He has 13-45-48 totals and 267 PIM in 213 career games with the Bruins.