All-Star weekend

Naysayers should save the consternation and concern

From Red Fisher to the Red Sea -- people everywhere seem to think the NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles on Feb. 2 is a bad idea. Several reasons are cited, with the main complaint being that it precedes the league's involvement in the Olympic games by a mere 10 days.

Unfortunate timing, maybe. And granted, the "all-star game" moniker is certainly a stretch, if not a full blown misnomer. But, why the uproar and outrage? The mid-season extravaganza is an event -- and an important one for many reasons.

First, it is a chance to recognize fine on-ice performances. Second, it allows vital corporate sponsors an opportunity to get a personal glimpse of the players and people who drive the league -- personalizing the product they have selected as a means to further their own business agenda. Third, the gathering serves the fan interest by providing a wide array of attractions, as well as helping humanize the hockey heroes of the moment. Finally, the purpose of the event is to acknowledge the relationship between all necessary elements involved in supporting the NHL -- which includes players, sponsors and fans.

Why do so many find that distasteful? We know pro hockey is big business. We know the fan is at the heart of the industry and we know the players are the linchpins to the legacy that is the NHL. Bigger dollars carry higher expectations from fans and corporate friends alike, meaning more demands placed on the players. One of those demands is the participation of the chosen among the upper crust of the players union. The trade-off for their time is unprecedented earning potential for all -- rank and file included.

For those so concerned about the validity of the game, relax. It is merely the closing event on an agenda with a full slate of activities. No one is purporting that the World Team vs. the North American contingency is anything but a fun loving, goodwill generating exhibition. It has very little to do with competition of any sort, including international pride.

So, even if some more-deserving players are overlooked because of the format, or certain Stars (insert Mike Modano's name here) made it known that they'd rather forego the L.A. experience, where's the harm? And why all the fuss by so many who take exception to the fan balloting policy for the starters? Sure, it leads to such irregularities as Sandis Ozolinsh and Teemu Selanne starting for the World Team and Owen Nolan and Vincent Damphousse opening for the North Americans. OK, so the fans from Silicon Valley have more on-line voting strength and savvy than the rest of the world -- at least they cared enough to use it! Regardless, everyone who is participating -- voted or otherwise -- is a highly skilled NHLer.

Afterall, isn't that really the point? Focus on what is happening and enjoy the talents of the players who attend, instead of taking issue with who is absent and the scheduling ramifications and the glitzy nature of the proceedings. Plus, this season adds the entertaining "YoungStars" format, which promises to be the weekend's highlight: a 4-on-4 mini-game shoot 'em up with the blossoming youngsters of the league strutting their burgeoning offensive skills. All of those guys will be thrilled to be part of the league showcase.

And for every Modano-like veteran dissenter, there are plenty of thrilled first time nominees as well. Take Tommy Salo's attitude. He is maybe the most overworked netminder in the NHL, with Olympic duties on his planner for Team Sweden. Yet, Salo was thrilled to be included for the second year in succession -– this despite admitting that the game for goalies is nothing more than an exercise in playing 20 minutes and pulling five or six pucks out the net. Still, the trip to L.A. the first weekend in February is worthwhile to Salo. As I'm sure it is for first-timers Jarome Iginla, Eric Daze, Brian Rafalski and Jose Theodore for the North Americans and Alexei Zhamnov, Thomas Kaberle and Jaroslav Modry for the World Team.

So, all you naysayers out there, relax and recognize the all-star extravaganza for what it is -- an imperfect but necessary display in which hockey is merely one item on a varied agenda. If you keep the intended spirit in mind, maybe enjoyment will come more easily.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.

 

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