Feature photo: Getty Images
For the ninth time in NHL history, and the first time since 2000, the NHL All-Star Weekend made its way to Toronto for three fun-filled days featuring some of the NHL’s top players who participated in plenty of on- and off-ice activities around the city.
Struttin’ Their Stuff
Dressed to impress, players kicked off the weekend by hitting the red carpet at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Hockey fans lined the carpet for the chance to grab a selfie or a signature with some of their hockey idols.
While some players rocked more laid back looks, it was no surprise that David Pastrnak, who regularly tops the NHLPA Player Poll in the best dressed category, stole the show in Boston Bruins black and gold.
Wheels Up
The NHL-All-Star Player Draft made its return for the first time since 2015, highlighted by four Canadian celebrity captains who helped lead the four teams.
Justin Bieber teamed up with Auston Matthews alongside Toronto Maple Leafs Morgan Rielly, Michael Bublé was paired alongside Quinn and Jack Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils, respectively. Meanwhile, Will Arnett helped lead Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, and Tate McRae fielded a team with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche.
The star-studded Thursday event was capped off with the PWHL 3-on-3 Showcase following the draft, bringing together some of the best women in the league to show off their skills. Savannah Harmon factored on all five goals, posting a hat trick along with a pair of assists to help Team King defeat Team Kloss in a 5-3 win.
Some of the top talent will be returning to Scotiabank Arena in a couple weeks for the Battle of Bay Street, which looks to set the record for highest ever attendance for a professional women’s hockey game.
See You in Italy
Some exciting news was revealed ahead of Friday’s skills competition as the NHLPA, NHL and IIHF officially announced the return of NHL’s best players to the grand international stage with the 2026 and 2030 Olympic Winter Games. During a subsequent media conference, the 4 Nations Face-Off was also announced for 2025, which will feature competition next February between the top players from Canada, the United States, Finland and Sweden.
“I grew up playing with them on the junior national team, so it would be very special to try a tournament with those guys and play hockey when it’s best on best,” said Sebastian Aho.
NHL All-Star Skills Competition
With a new format this year, 12 players took the ice to participate in the NHL All-Star Skills Competition. It was none other than Connor McDavid who took home the big $1 million dollar prize by winning four of the six events he competed in, capturing each of the Fastenal NHL Fastest Skater, Upper Deck NHL Stick Handling, Cheetos NHL Accuracy Shooting and Pepsi NHL Obstacle Course competitions for a total of 25 points. Meanwhile, Alexander Georgiev captured the $100,000 prize for the most saves (nine) among goalies in the Honda / Hyundai NHL One-on-One event.
“It definitely got competitive out there. I was huffing and puffing. Guys were working hard trying to put on a good show, and I feel like we did that and can feel good about it. Ultimately, it’s up to the fans and I hope they enjoyed it,” said McDavid.
Your 2024 All-Star Hero winners
NHLPA Goals & Dreams once again teamed up with the United Heroes League to bring four deserving military members and a guest to NHL All-Star Weekend as part of the fourth All-Star Hero campaign. NHLPA Executive Director, Marty Walsh, spoke with the winners on Friday morning and presented the group with customized United Heroes League jerseys to mark the occasion. Throughout the weekend, the four military veterans and their children rubbed shoulders with NHL players while attending all on-ice events, taking in the NHL Fan Fair and exploring the city.
All-Star Game
The stars did not disappoint when it came to Saturday’s game, putting on a show for the crowd of over 18,000 at Scotiabank Arena.
A matchup of Team McDavid versus Team MacKinnon kicked off the night, resulting in a shootout win.. The next match between Team Matthews and Team Hughes also resulted in a shootout win with Alex DeBrincat ultimately advancing Team Matthews to the final game.
Bringing the home crowd a show, Team Matthews was victorious in the final game in a 7-4 final. With the win, the players on the team earned a share of the $1 million dollar prize. The captain himself took home two goals and an assist in the final as the overall MVP of the game.