Feature Photo: TW / @Penguins
The 2023 NHL All-Star Weekend saw the game’s stars shine in South Florida. Over two days, many of hockey’s top players put on a spectacular show for the fans at FLA Live Arena.
In case you missed it, here are a few of the top moments – on and off the ice – during this year’s NHL All-Star weekend.
FASHION STATEMENTS
Paws & Jaws: Mitch Marner’s eye-catching skates, featuring images of his dog Zeus riding a shark and a crocodile, had people talking. Showcasing a beach theme with a pastel pink boot, the talented Maple Leafs forward unveiled the custom-made blades before he headed to the Sunshine State.
Something’s Bruin: Boston Bruin teammates David Pastrnak and Linus Ullmark made their mark on the red carpet, both donning some snazzy suits that had the camera flashes working overtime.
Pastel perfect: Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey landed on the runway in a pink suit that was an ideal fit for the sunny setting.
Getting his kicks: A backwards baseball cap, complemented by a simple look and all-white kicks, earned some love for New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes.
Life’s a beach: A cool-looking Nazem Kadri looked like he was ready to head to the beach and enjoy a day of sun, sand surf before representing the Calgary Flames on the ice.
HONOURING THE HEROES
The United Heroes League (UHL) and the NHLPA, through their All-Star Hero campaign, welcomed Army Sergeant Josie Benford, Army Master Sergeant Josh Bowers, Canadian Forces Warrant Officer Shawn Keenan and Army First Sergeant Michael Taylor to Florida for All-Star Weekend.
Each military member was chosen by the UHL after the public was asked to nominate their military hero. The winners, who received air travel and tickets to attend the 2023 All-Star Weekend with a guest, mingled with players in the NHLPA Lounge, while taking in some very Florida themed All-Star activities.
2023 NHL ALL-STAR SKILLS COMPETITION
The players showcased their elite expertise both on and office the ice, with this year’s events providing action on the ice, the green and on the beach.
SPEED DEMONS
The popular Fastest Skater event crown went to Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov, who stopped the timer at 13.699 seconds, a fraction ahead of runner-up Kevin Fiala (14.114 seconds).
BETWEEN THE PIPES AND BEYOND
The new Tendy Tandem event spilt goalies into duos, with one backstopper shooting and the other facing breakaways against players, including Canadian Women’s National Team standout Sarah Nurse, who scored a head-turner against New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin. It was the one-two punch of Connor Hellebucyk and Juuse Saros who took all the spoils.
BLISTERING BEAUTIES
Elias Pettersson blasted home the highest number in the hardest shot competition when the Canucks blueliner lit up the board with a 103.2 mph scorcher. Rasmus Dahlin was the only other player to top the 100-mph mark, with Josh Morrissey, Seth Jones and Alex Ovechkin filling out the top five.
RIGHT ON TARGET
Two-time Ted Lindsay Award recipient Connor McDavid wowed the crowd in the opening round of the Accuracy competition, but in the end, it was New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson who came out on top.
DYNAMIC DUO… PLUS ONE
The Breakaway Challenge showcased two of the game’s all-time greats in Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, teaming up with the former’s young son, Sergei Ovechkin to complete the formidable forward line. Hall of Fame goaltender and former Panthers’ star Roberto Luongo couldn’t stop the younger Ovechkin from lighting the lamp, much to the delight of the crowd and his linemates, the combined six-time Ted Lindsay Award recipients.
WATER WORLD
Splash Shot, a water-themed version of the accuracy shooting competition, replete with dunk tanks, saw players aim at surf boards, with several familiar faces taking the plunge, including Sidney Crosby and Matthew Tkachuk, with Colorado defenceman Cale Makar eventually winning it all.
GREEN SCENE
In the Pitch ‘n’ Puck event, four players teed it up on a par-4 hole with an island green, using both pucks and balls to achieve the lowest score and be crowned winners of this new competition. The event ended with a putting competition, as Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki drained a birdie for the win.
2023 NHL ALL-STAR GAME RECAP
Two-goal performances by Clayton Keller and Nathan MacKinnon, along with a four-point effort from Vladimir Tarasenko, paced the Central to a 6-4 win in the first semifinal against the Pacific. Elias Pettersson had a pair of tallies for the losing side. Siblings Matthew and Brady Tkachuk recorded five and four points, respectively, while Nick Suzuki and Dylan Larkin each scored twice. Mitch Marner and Aleksander Barkov both had three helpers, as the Atlantic bested the Metropolitan 10-6 in the second semifinal.
In the final, it was another gigantic Atlantic effort, as three tallies from Dylan Larkin with help from teammates Matthew Tkachuk, Nikita Kucherov, David Pastrnak and Rasmus Dahlin paced the squad to a 7-5 win over their Central rivals. Hometown Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, who recorded 4 goals and 3 assists over both games, was named MVP.
SEE YOU IN TORONTO
Save the date! The 2024 NHL All-Star Game will take place at the home of the Maple Leafs.