THEN & NOW: The celebration that is the ever-evolving NHL All-Star Game
Every year, it seems as if there are fans of hockey and the media that covers the sport that complain about every little thing having to do with the All-Star Game. Maybe their favorite player wasn't selected or they don't feel that a team deserves to have a representative play in the game. These complaints and more, crop up every year as the game is approaching.
What many forget is that the All-Star Game is meant to be a celebration of the sport that we all love. Going back to the earliest days of the NHL, and even predating the league, there were All-Star games that were actually benefit games for injured players.
These games have morphed into the celebratory nature of the spectacle that we see today. The players, honored to be selected to participate, understand that this is a celebration of the game they play. At the end of the day, they want everyone to enjoy the All-Star Game for what it is... a game.
FOX Sports Ohio recently chatted with Columbus Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson and for Blue Jackets player and 2001 All-Star Fredrik Modin about what the All-Star Game means to them and how it has changed over the years.
FSO: How seriously do players take being selected to the All-Star Game?
John Davidson: It was a heck of an honor to play in them, for sure. I remember my first season with the Blues (1973-74) I just missed it. I was right there and didn't get in. There were fewer goaltenders, I think, picked back then. It's kind of like the whole sport has evolved. It's gotten bigger and bigger and bigger. It's more of a spectacle than it's ever been.
Fredrick Modin: You're selected from among the best players. It's kind of a confirmation for yourself and your game. It's special and not everybody gets to be a part of this. It was a huge honor for me to be picked and to play with the best of the best. I was extremely proud and honored to be chosen.
I mean, just the process of getting picked. When you get picked to be an All-Star, you're picked to represent yourself and your team when the best-of-the-best are playing. The game itself is more of a showcase to have fun. I think the fans understand that, too. We're out there to show off the best players and show off their skill. As a player, it's fun and everybody is there to enjoy it.
FSO: How has the game changed over the years?
JD: I remember for many years they were trying to figure out how to do it. Would it be the Stanley Cup Champions playing a bunch of All-Stars? Or, should it be East/West? Should it be this or should it be that?
FM: I think they're trying different things to get fans more involved. When I first came over (from Sweden), it was East versus West. Then they changed it around to the World against North America. And now they're doing the draft, which I think is just great. I think the fans really enjoy that.
JD: I think we've essentially settled into just celebrating the game. Go to the city that wants it, and Columbus certainly does. They'll put on the Ritz. I want everybody that comes here, whether that's a player or coach, trainer or fan, to just celebrate the sport and have fun doing it.
FSO: Freddy, what made the 2001 All-Star Game special for you?
FM: Mario Lemieux was there. I remember growing up and watching him play. Now, I got a chance to play against him and have some fun during the skills session. Sergei Federov was there; Ray Bourque and Rob Blake, too. Being there and looking up to these guys, it was somewhat surreal at times.
I mean, growing up playing video games and these were the guys you wanted to be. Now, you're actually on the ice with these guys, competing with and against them. But, it's a laid-back environment with everybody is out there to have a good time. Getting to enjoy this with those hockey greats really was special.
FSO: JD, is the All-Star Game a continuation of the maturation process for Columbus as a team and as a hockey market?
JD: First of all, the draft (2007) went very well. I came over as part of the St. Louis Blues and we enjoyed it. The media that was here really had a good time, I mean really had a good time. The All-Star Game is a much bigger event in that it's seen on television and in a lot of different countries.
The message to them (Blue Jackets selected) was 'enjoy it and soak it up'. Enjoy the celebration of the sport. And, try to learn something. You're having the world's best players come in here. You're going to get to know them, how they prepare and how hard they work.
FSO: The 'show' must go on, in other words?
FM: Earlier on, I guess it was more of a 'real' game. At this point now, with all that's at stake, it really can't be. We're here to celebrate the game and you don't want to see anyone get hurt in this type of event. I think the fans understand and don't expect a 'real' hockey game. They're expecting a show.
JD: While this game is not an NHL game, it's a celebration of the sport, and you're still in a position that you can learn something. It's a good thing for our franchise, because it's another stepping stone in trying to get better as a franchise.
"Live" from the NHL All-Star Winter Park today is "Drennan Live" beginning at 3:30 pm. and "Columbus All-Star Live" at 7 p.m., followed by "Revealed: Brandon Dubinsky" at 8:30 p.m. on SportsTime Ohio.
