NEW YORK (AP) The NHL will play a 3-on-3 All-Star tournament instead of a traditional All-Star game.
The NHL and the players union announced the format change Wednesday for the Sunday, Jan. 31 event in Nashville, Tennessee.
Players will represent the Pacific, Central, Atlantic and Metropolitan divisions in the $1 million winner-take-all tournament that will have three 20-minute games. The Central will open against the Pacific, and the Atlantic will face the Metropolitan in the semifinals, with the winners advancing to the championship game.
''We are introducing a creative new format this year in Nashville not only as a way to enhance the competitiveness of the event, but also as a vehicle to highlight and emphasize the incredible skill, speed and athleticism it takes to play our game,'' NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement.
Each team will have six forwards, three defensemen and two goalies.
''We are excited to see the new All-Star tournament this year,'' said Mathieu Schneider, NHLPA special assistant to the executive director. ''It has been a collaborative effort, and we hope the fans will be looking forward to the NHL All-Star weekend in Nashville as much as the players.''
The NHL All-Star Skills Competition will be played Saturday, Jan. 30.
