The NHL all-star game may pale in comparison to the high-flying theatrics of its NBA counterpart, but the yearly event has slowly become a seasonal highlight. Between the draft, the shootout dangles, and the controversial fan vote, there are enough talking points to make the all-star game worthwhile and watchable.
This year, we knew that the festivities would take place in Los Angeles - the first time to do so in over a decade. The third-time host city will make way for the league's biggest names, who will duke it out on January 29. The all-star game will be the obvious headliner, but 2017 will also see the return of the Celebrity Game. Alongside this news, was the fact that the show will air on network television in both Canada and the USA.
With all of these exciting tidbits, the event was shaping up to be the best in years. The only thing seemingly missing, was the announcement of the all-star game captains. Thankfully, the NHL has answered our prayers, revealing the names of the talented division representatives.
Pittsburgh Penguins star, Sidney Crosby will lace up his skates for the Metro division this year. Meanwhile, Montreal Canadiens goalie, Carey Price, makes the list as its only netminder. Edmonton Oilers phenom, Connor McDavid, will show the world what makes him so deadly, and stud defenseman, P.K. Subban, will make an appearance for the first time as a Nashville Predator.
The all-star selections were a result of online fan voting, which determined today's draw over the course of a month. In an official statement made by the NHL, the league detailed just what fans are in for this time around. "The 2017 Honda NHL All-Star Game will once again feature the 3-on-3 All-Star Tournament, showcasing the NHL's most talented star players from each division. Introduced at last year's NHL All-Star Game in Nashville, the All-Star Tournament will feature three 20-minute games, with star players from each Division making up the four All-Star teams: Pacific, Central, Atlantic, and Metropolitan. Each team will be made up of 11 players from each Division: six forwards, three defensemen and two goaltenders."
The NHL is currently celebrating its 100th season, while the all-star city, Los Angeles, has had its Kings for 50 years and counting. Both of these milestones will likely be incorporated into the festivities this month. You can catch the NHL all-star game on CBC in Canada, and NBC in the USA, on January 29.
