The 2019 NHL All-Star Skills Competition is complete and we leave this year with a few memorable moments.
Topping the list is Kendall Coyne Schofield, who made history by becoming the first woman to ever compete in the skills competition. It was a huge moment made even bigger when she was the first one out of the blocks and finished with a 14.36-second lap that placed seventh of eight.
Last week prior to the CWHL’s All-Star Game, Natalie Spooner joined Tim and Sid to talk about growing the women’s game and attracting male fans, too.
“I do see a lot of young girls and women that are fans at our games, but I also think we need to broaden that to even young boys because I think if these young boys are hockey players, hopefully they can appreciate a hockey game and great hockey players no matter what,” she said. “They might have a class with a young girl who is an awesome hockey player, but they don’t realize, wow she might be just as good as him. Or she might be able to go play in the CWHL just like he has a dream of playing in the NHL. And I think that’s something that’s so special for not only girls, but boys to realize that there are good female role models out there too.”
Coyne Schofield’s performance holds a place in history that will be recalled in every skills competition to come.
And near the end of the competition, Toronto’s Auston Matthews surprised everybody and won over the crowd when he revealed a Patrick Marleau jersey under the one he was wearing all night.
The home crowd gave Matthews a loud cheer, which will surely follow him through the 3-on-3 tournament Saturday.
With all the events in the books we have compiled the full results and all the winners. Check back at Sportsnet.ca Saturday night for another live blog around the All-Star Game from San Jose.
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