NHL to have Captains choose teams at NHL all star game in 2011

[NextBobbyOrr 0]

Ummmmm.........the captains will select the 2 teams. Not sure why there would be 4 jerseys.

Ahh I gotcha. Thanks.

[mug25 2]

I remember when the All Star game used to be entertaining. Now it's just kinda meh. I'm a big supporter of doing the Winter Classic in place of the All Star game. Skills comp on Saturday, Winter Classic game on Sunday = All Star Weekend.

Agreed.

Yankee Stadium for next Winter Classic btw.

[TBLfan 25]

The single thing that would gain the most interest by me is if they didn't limit the skills comp to Allstars. I want to know who has the fastest slapshot or who the fastest skater in the NHL.

Teams could even do team competitions to decide representatives which would be a fine promotion in itself. I know I wouldn't mind heading to the arena to watch a skills comp of just Lightning players.

[Jason Harris 31]

The NBA does their skills competition the way you are suggesting, TBL, and I think it's a better way. I don't know how players are picked, but there are guys for the 3-Point Shooting or Dunk contests who won't be playing in the game.

[chippa13 1844]

The NHL tried to do a skills competition like you want and nobody cared that Jon Rohloff had one of the the hardest shots in the league.

[Chadd 916]

The NHL tried to do a skills competition like you want and nobody cared that Jon Rohloff had one of the the hardest shots in the league.

The NHL did it for years until they decided to save some money and focus on promoting the guys that played in the all star game. There was just as much interest among hockey fans then as there is now.

[chippa13 1844]

In an event like ASG weekend, which is basically just a marketing scheme, I think it should be about promoting the stars of the game. To keep the fringe and new-ish fans interested there needs to be name recognition in the event. Having a couple 5/6 defensemen in the hardest shot or "energy line" guys buzzing around for the fastest skater doesn't really keep folks glued to the set.

[Chadd 916]

In an event like ASG weekend, which is basically just a marketing scheme, I think it should be about promoting the stars of the game. To keep the fringe and new-ish fans interested there needs to be name recognition in the event. Having a couple 5/6 defensemen in the hardest shot or "energy line" guys buzzing around for the fastest skater doesn't really keep folks glued to the set.

When every team has to have at least one representative in the game, there are a lot of good/name players that don't get to participate. I'm against having a guy get called up for a couple games and participate, but having people break records every year would make it more interesting and marketable.

[17D1998 1]

Ahah after reading this whole thread it seems like everybody hates the ASG weekend but me. I look forward to the Skills Competition every year and I really missed it last year. But I guess Team Canada winning the gold medal is better than the All-Star game

[Hipster 5]

I heard that in 2012 they'll just throw all the sticks in the middle of the ice and make teams outdoor rink style.

That would be funny. Maybe they'll go "full pick-up" rules and swap goalies every five goals. I hope they all have a light AND dark jersey in the gear bag.

[crazykeeper_33 0]

I think this is a good idea, fed up of the East vs West. Would still prefer a return to World v North America format though I understand that this wasn't as popular...

[dsjunior1388 81]

That would be funny. Maybe they'll go "full pick-up" rules and swap goalies every five goals. I hope they all have a light AND dark jersey in the gear bag.

And three of the Bruins will show up in their Winter Classic jerseys and everyone will instantly hate them.

[IniNew 53]

Nice little QA with Shanahan on the All Star Game