NHL All-Star Game

The NHL All-Star Game is quickly approaching and yesterday the NHL announced the players that will participate in the event.

For Canes fans, we have come to associate the appearance of Eric Staal at the All-Star game an annual occurrence and that is the case again this year as Staal will make his 4th appearance.  This year will definitely be different as the Hurricanes are the hosts.  In talking to the media yesterday Staal said, "You want to be recognized among the elite in the league and for me to be a part of that this year is an incredible honor, especially being in our home building in front of our fans."

Making his first All-Star game will be goalie Cam Ward.  In my opinion, probably the most under-rated goalie in the league.  This is a well deserved selection as Cam has played outstanding this season.  He is the Canes all-time wins leader.  As Ward noted, "It'll be my first All-Star appearance and that's one thing, and then to have it at your home building is going to be a special experience and I'm really looking forward to it."

Rookie Jeff Skinner was selected as one of the 12 first-year players for the SuperSkills Competition.  This is going to be special to see Skinner showing off his skills that we have seen throughout the season so far.  Skinner is leading all rookies in scoring at this point in the season.  Think back to when you were 18, can you imagine being in the position he is?  Absolutely amazing!

Caniacs, this is going to be an exciting time at the end of this month.  With the draft January 28 live on Versus and TSN, I wonder if Staal and Ward will be on the same team????