All-Star Midweek?

This Tuesday (1/23) and Wednesday (1/24) is the mid-season break for the National Hockey League. This year's festivities take place in Dallas at the American Airlines Arena. Both teams vary in age and nationality.

The East Squad consists of ten Olympians and and five different countries, with Canada leading the way with 13 participants. There are 10 first time all-stars and the group is highlighted by Brodeur's 9th All-Star selection and Shannahan's 8th selection.

The West Squad features 15 Olympians and six different countries are represented with 14 players being from Canada. There is also 10 first time all-stars and this group's elder statesmen are Sakic with 12 All-Star appearances, Selanne with 10 and Lidstrom with 9 appearances.

In addition to the All Star Game, on Tuesday they have a skills competition and young stars game.





6:30 - 9:00 p.m. NHL YoungStars Game, presented by Upper DeckDodge Nitro/NHL SuperSkills American Airlines Center. The League's brightest young players will take center stage at the NHL YoungStars Game, presented by Upper Deck. The NHL All-Stars show off their skating, puck-handling and shooting skills in the Dodge Nitro/NHL SuperSkills (Thanks NHL.com).

The young stars game features some of the up and coming players in the league. Especially Evgini Malkin, who is one of the leaders on a young Pittsburgh Penguins team.

The East has 4 rookies, one Olympian (Messaros), and six countries represented. Canada leading the charge with 5 players. The West has 5 rookies, one Olympian (Budaj), and eight countries with representation, with Canada having 3 players on the team. Both teams have about the average age of 21.5.



I know a lot of you Lodge members are not a fan of hockey but this would be a great chance for you to see the stars of the league over a two night period. The festivities will be seen on both Versus and CBC. Check their sites for times and schedules.

For a complete run down of the All Star events click here!


Also to see the stars in the game click on roster to see who is playing on the West/East teams.

One last thing! I wanted to send a shout out to Luc Robitaille who got his number retired by the Kings before the All-Star break! A great career.