Not showing up to the All-Star Game? You're suspended

by FrankD on Jan 23, 2009 7:57 PM EST in News

This is pretty amazing if you ask me.

Apparently the NHL is threatening to suspend injured players unable to perform in the All-Star Game. Can't play? That's too bad. But you better show up or you're sitting out games that actually have meaning.

Even those who are grateful for the fan appreciation but honorably decline will be suspended.

Look no further than two guys from last year's Stanley Cup Finals - Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom.

They'll have to sit out a game next week because they skipped this weekend's festivities.

“This week I’ll try to be involved in everything but the actual on-ice things. Besides that I’ll try to be involved in everything else the guys are doing. As I said the game's for all the players that are playing in it but I’ll try to do what I can.”

Sidney Crosby
Penguins official release

It might be a canned response, but at least it's not getting him suspended.

I've always had a general disinterest in the All-Star Game, but this definitely doesn't help. When I was a kid I liked it because it was an opportunity to see all of your favorite players in one place. But as I got older and experienced first hand the thrill of competition and the boredom of marketing and promotions, the appeal declined drastically.

And now there's this - the NHL threatening to suspend players for not playing through injury.

It's almost an insult really. Hockey players are notorious for their pain threshold and ability to play under the most extreme conditions. Now if you're injured you can either play hurt or sign countless autographs. Your choice.

''We've all got obligations to the fans, the rights holders - this game is being televised around the world."

Colin Cambell
NHL VP - TSN

Perhaps Mr. Cambell, but if you take this game out of Montreal I can't see anyone caring.

I'd like to see the ratings of this All-Star Game though. I wonder if they will be much higher from previous seasons thanks to the success of yet another Winter Classic.

Let's leave this up to a vote.

Poll

The All-Star Game is...

Awesome

9 votes

Pathetic

6 votes

Lamer than ever with this new rule

13 votes

Insignificant

18 votes

46 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

What a stupid rule

by Stros Bro on Jan 24, 2009 12:38 AM EST reply actions

O.k., devil’s advocate here, keep in mind I just had the most amazing cheese with a ten year aged balsamic vinaigrette reduction paired with unbelievable wine, still spinning… Do you not think that it is the players responsibility to their fans and sponsors, who coincidentally enough support their paycheques, to at least show up? Yes, the ASG is a joke and 90% of players chosen for ASG would more than likely rather sit on their asses, rest up at home and enjoy the break as opposed to playing a lame game of marketing, advertising and fake ‘nice’ to meet you, Mr./Ms. Mans? Injured, tired, uninterested or ‘whateverested’, the players should at least show up! They shouldn’t be penalized if they do not play, obviously, if they are injured, but just being there to do the necessary handshakes and autographs is a must, it is a business after all. On a side note, as much as us adults think the ASG is lame, there are still the kids out there who think it is pretty awesome and cool to have the NHL’s best on the ice at the same time, unaware of adult concepts like business, sponsorships, auto-votes etc., let them have their game and have the dream of growing up to one day play in the All Star Game, why not?

by AngelaMc on Jan 24, 2009 3:01 AM EST reply actions

It’s a valid point, most definitely. I think that those players are voted in but fail to show up (as in Datsyuk and Lidstrom) should show up. But if guys like Sid or whoever are injured and actually missed an NHL game because of it (against the Ducks), then they should have the option to use the downtime to heal up and save themselves for when the break is over. Eight days of absolutely nothing aside from a few practices and skates is perfect for some players. It let’s them down gear for a bit and get themselves back on track. I have very little doubt that Sid wouldn’t show up regardless, but I think a threat to take away games that can weigh on playoff contention is a bit strict.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jan 24, 2009 5:40 AM EST up reply actions

The players should want to

and should be honored to play.. but they shouldn’t be forced to play. Maybe they want to go home for 2-3 days and spend time with their family.

If tons of players just didn’t show up… I could almost see this being a useful rule… but the majority of the players voted in(that arent hurt), show up to the game and are honored to play and do play. It’s just a few bad seeds that skip it.

by Stros Bro on Jan 24, 2009 8:39 AM EST up reply actions