The NHL is bringing international competition to its next All-Star Game.
Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh announced the details for the All-Star Weekend next February at UBS Arena, home of the New York Islanders.
The all-star game will see a three-on-three tournament featuring five teams: Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland and a Rest of World team. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Russian players will be included on the World team. Each team will play four five-minute games, and the top two teams will compete in a 10-minute championship game, with the winning team claiming a $2-million prize.
Each team will feature nine skaters and two goaltenders, with a fan vote helping to select some of the all-stars.
The weekend will also see the return of the all-star skilled competition, with 10 players under the age of 25 going head-to-head in a tournament of events. Each player will compete in four of the following six events: Fastest Skater, Hardest Shot, Passing Challenge, One Timers, Stick Handling and Accuracy Shooting. The top four players will advance to a shootout, and the top two players after that will compete in a final obstacle course challenge. The winner will receive a $1 million prize.
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