Feature photo: Getty Images
Just like the on-ice success that has come his way this year, Vincent Trocheck will look to make the most out of his second NHL All-Star Game appearance after being announced to the roster on Jan. 22.
The New York Rangers forward will look right at home when he takes to the ice with some of the game’s top players for the 2024 edition of the annual event being held Feb. 1-3 in Toronto.
“It’s a big honour. My biggest memory of watching the event when I was a kid was just seeing players that I looked up to having fun on the ice, trying different things. It is going to be a lot of fun,” said Trocheck, who represented the Florida Panthers at the 2017 NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles, where he recorded a goal and three assists in one game for Team Atlantic.
Trocheck will also have a large cheering section on hand.
His wife, Hillary, their two kids, son Leo and daughter Lennon, his parents and his in-laws will be in Toronto to take in all the action.
“Sharing this with my family is everything, especially my son. Having him be there for this one, at five-years-old – with a love for the game of hockey – is going to be really cool.”
This year, the NHL All-Star Player Draft will be held as part of NHL All-Star Thursday.
Player and celebrity captains will make their picks to round out rosters of 11 players (nine skaters, and two goalies) for the Saturday’s All-Star Game.
Whichever team lands Trocheck will get a player who has been at the top of his game in 2023-24.
Playing on the second line with Alexis Lafrenière and Artemi Panarin, the forward has posted 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists) in 49 games at the All-Star break – tied for second on the Rangers roster in assists and points and third in goals.
Trocheck’s on-ice efforts, which include three game-winning tallies this season, have not gone unnoticed.
"They got the right guy," Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette said of Trocheck’s All-Star nod. "That's a really well-deserved nod and honour for him. He's been so good for our team, with all aspects to his game – leadership, faceoffs, defensive play, offensive play. His line, as far as offense goes and generating offense, they’re one of the top lines in the league."
Trocheck’s impact has gone well beyond his offensive output. His contributions have been a key factor in his linemates’ respective strong campaigns as well, helping the Rangers ascend to the top of the Metropolitan Division standings.
The veteran of 686 regular-season NHL games heralds his teammates and linemates for playing a huge part in his success this season.
“We have so many great players and great guys on this team,” said Trocheck. “Everyone is committed to bringing their best every night.”
He will be joined by Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin at All-Star Weekend for the three days of festivities taking place in and around Scotiabank Arena.
Trocheck is excited to both be a fan and participant.
“I think I am most looking forward to the skills competition, honestly. It should be competitive and fun to watch as a spectator,” said the forward.
It would not be a surprise to see those participating checking in with Trocheck for a few pointers.
After all, he knows a thing or two about playing the skill game.
