One day after the Columbus Blue Jackets’ majority owner John P. McConnell released a statement to the team’s fans apologizing for years of inadequacy, the Blue Jackets made a move sure to reenergize the city.
Saturday morning, commissioner Gary Bettman announced that Columbus would host the 2013 NHL All Star Game. Bettman’s reasons for awarding the Blue Jackets with hosting rights were based largely on the team’s success with the 2007 NHL Draft.
NHL.com quoted Bettman saying, “We're looking forward to bringing our All-Star celebration to Columbus.” “The Blue Jackets did a great job of hosting the NHL Draft in 2007, and I have no doubt they will raise the bar even higher when they welcome our All-Star celebration next January.”
Last weekend, the All-Star festivities took place in Ottawa. Ryan Johansen was Columbus’ lone representative as he was one of 12 rookies selected to participate in the skills competition.
If the NHL chooses to stick with its current format, two pre-determined captains will pick their teams from a pool of All Stars. In the past, one of the captains has been a player from the host team. Rick Nash, who has appeared in five All-Star games, is a likely candidate to receive this honor next year.
The 2013 NHL All-Star Weekend will be held Jan. 26-27.
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