Monday, January 30, 2017
2017 NHL All Star Game
For the
first time in several years, I really enjoyed the NHL All Star
festivities.
I have read
several reports on the All Star contests, both pro and con. One of
the indications that I took from the event was that the players were
having a fine time. Of course, there were one million reasons why the
boys from the Metropolitan Division had a fine weekend. That was a
mighty big cheque handed out at centre ice!
At last
year's All Star event, John Scott really distinguished himself. He
walked away, perhaps I should say “skated away” with the MVP
honours from the game, much to the delight of fans and players alike.
He was a journeyman player, without question, and is no longer
playing hockey. But that was his moment in the sun, and he was paid
the ultimate compliment by his teammates. They hoisted him on their
shoulders after he received his award. There was even a bit of
television coverage of John Scott at home, enjoying his young family.
This year's
MVP was Wayne Simmonds from the Philadelphia Flyers. He scored three
goals in the shinny tournament held to determine a winner. It was
three on three hockey, certainly a challenge. We are familiar with
the format, because it is used in regular season overtime. It is
exciting hockey, requiring great speed and great goaltending.
The NHL is
divided into four divisions. There have been so many changes in the
conferences, and the divisions, that I have to check the newspaper to
see how they currently line up. Currently, there are four divisions
in two conferences. The four teams in the tournament: Atlantic,
Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific. Pacific beat Central 10-3,
Metropolitan beat Atlantic 10-6. The winners faced off in the final,
won by the Metropolitan boys 4-3. Sure, it was a bit confusing, and
hardly memorable. But it was good hockey. Games were 20 minutes long.
One of the
highlights of the weekend was the homage paid to the top 100 players
from the last 100 years. Of course, many have passed away. But almost
50 of the greats of the game showed up. From all of the smiling
faces, it was apparent that they all really enjoyed the weekend.
Wisely, there was no mention of grading. We can agree on many of the
top players, but there will always be disagreements. Gordie Howe is
in the top ten on everyone's list (at least he should be). Bobby Orr
is on my list as well, as is Bobby Hull. I still maintain that Wayne
Gretzky is number one.
I also enjoy
the skills competitions. I believe the players enjoy that as well.
They hang along the boards chatting while watching their peers shoot
for accuracy and for speed. It is always noteworthy to see who is
clocked with the fastest speed in the league.
Other
noteworthy sports events last week included Roger Federer's victory
in the Australian Open against Rafael Nadal. It was a long and
grueling five set match. It has been several years between victories
in major tournaments for Federer, who is in the twilight of his
career, but still the king of the court.
Five
Canadian golfers made the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. Several
notable players failed to make the cut, including Tiger Woods in his
comeback attempt.
And yes,
there is football south of the border this weekend: the New England
Patriots will take on the Atlanta Falcons in Houston this coming
Sunday. As always, there will be some interesting commercials.
James Hurst
January 30,
2017