Sure, it's cool to see guys interacting that don't normally play together -- it's actually one of my favorite things about the weekend -- and I also used to really enjoy the skills competition. But after watching it the past few years, it has left me wanting more.
The shootout aspect of the skills competition, for example, no longer holds any intrigue for me: we see the breakaway challenge all of the time when teams can't finish a game in overtime, so it has lost it's luster.
The hardest shot is the event that I like to watch. There is no luck, no chance. The hardest shot IS the hardest shot.
So, without further ado, my suggestions for making the ASG and events a thing of pride, honor and beauty.
The skills competitions and subsequent events need a very large overhaul. IDEA: Every team would hold an intrasquad competition for each event. Each team then sends one player for each event [which would be the winner] that is included in the skills competition to a pre-competition [for lack of a better term] round robin event which would progress until 3 participants from each conference per skill event are left standing.. These are the players that would then participate in the All Star Skills Competition, giving the fans a) a more accurate skills representation, and b) it would allow the fans to perhaps see lesser known players who are nonetheless skilled, even if they aren't considered all-stars.
The All Star game itself has become, in my humble opinion, boring. Yes, I enjoy seeing Pavel Datsyuk and Evgeni Malkin on the same team, and I still cheer when a Red Wing scores, but outside of that, it is dull. IDEA #1: Put together a league-wide all star team, and let them play against the Stanley Cup champs. You don't think there will be much pride on the line? IDEA #2: Make a team of 27 year olds and under and put them up against the 28 year olds and over. Even more pride on the line. IDEA #3: every 3-4 years, invite the KHL all stars or an All-European all star team to North America for the All Star weekend to play for the 'Honor Cup' or 'Paramount Cup' [just ideas guys].You think there was pride displayed in the other two previously-suggested formats? Wait until you see KHL vs NHL All Stars! [NOTE: you could even go as far as having the KHL all stars involved in the skills competition!!!]
Have an 'NHL 13' videogame competition that culminates on the Saturday afternoon. Top fan/winner of the competition wins tickets to next years' All Star weekend which includes a 'back stage' pass to the events and gets to 'hang out' with player(s).
A big aspect is to get the fans involved in the weekend too. Meeting a player or even seeing a player in person is an awesome experience, and some fans may only experience it once in their lives. So, have a mini tournament on 2-3 outdoor rinks where an all star is teamed up with two [skilled] fans. Have a single elimination format where the winning players get autographed memorabelia. Talk about some happy fans.
Well, it's 2:00 am right on the button, so I'll leave you with these ideas to think about.
L8r,
J
No comments:
Post a Comment