NHL ALL-STAR GAME
The Columbus Blue Jackets and city of Columbus will host the 2015 NHL All-Star celebration, with the NHL All-Star Skills Competition scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, and NHL All-Star Game set for Sunday, Jan. 25 – both at Nationwide Arena.
“The All-Star Celebration is a marquee event featuring the best players in the world and the Blue Jackets are thrilled to be able to bring it to Central Ohio for our fans and community,” said Blue Jackets Majority Owner John P. McConnell. “Columbus and the Arena District offer an unmatched setting for this celebration of hockey and the NHL’s commitment to having the event here speaks volumes about the support of our fans and the strength of our market.”
The 2015 NHL All-Star Game marks the first time the NHL’s All-Star activities will take place in Columbus, becoming the third consecutive first-time All-Star host city (following Raleigh in 2011 and Ottawa in 2012). The Blue Jackets and Columbus previously hosted an NHL signature event, successfully welcoming thousands of NHL fans, executives and personalities to the city for the 2007 NHL Draft.
“Columbus is an ideal host city for our All-Star Celebration,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “The facilities are first-rate, the Blue Jackets are exciting and entertaining, and the fans passionately support their team and our League. Our players, sponsors, media and guests are looking forward to being in Columbus for the All-Star activities.”
The 2015 NHL All-Star Game is the League’s first since the Ottawa Senators and city of Ottawa hosted the event in January 2012.
The 60th NHL All-Star Celebration will feature various hockey-themed events, entertainment and activities, including a Fan Fair at the Greater Columbus Convention Center from Friday, Jan. 23 – Sunday, Jan. 25. Click here for more details.
NHL All-Star Game Quick Hits
* Gordie Howe holds the record for most NHL All-Star Game appearances with 23. He is followed by Ray Bourque (19), Wayne Gretzky (18), Frank Mahovlich (15) and Mark Messier (15).
* Among goaltenders, Glenn Hall holds the record for most NHL All-Star Game appearances with 13.
* The record for most goals in one NHL All-Star Game is four, accomplished most recently by Dany Heatley in 2003. In 2012, in Ottawa, Marian Gaborik recorded a hat trick to earn MVP honors.
* Mats Naslund holds the record for most assists in one NHL All-Star Game – he posted five in the 1988 game in St. Louis. Ten other players have collected four assists in one game, most recently Shea Weber at the 2011 game in Raleigh.
* Mario Lemieux holds the record for points in one NHL All-Star Game – he registered six (3-3—6) in the 1988 game in St. Louis. Eight players have posted five points in an NHL All-Star Game, most recently Danny Briere (1-4—5) at the 2007 game in Dallas.
* Wayne Gretzky holds the records for most goals (13; shared with Mario Lemieux) and points (25) in NHL All-Star Game history. Joe Sakic owns the record for most assists (16).
* The fastest goal to start an NHL All-Star Game occurred in 2008, when former Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash scored 12 seconds after the opening face-off to give the West a 1-0 lead.