Columbus Blue Jackets Awarded 2015 All-Star Game

After being shafted the 2013 NHL All-Star Game due to the lockout last season, Columbus will be redeemed as the league announced Saturday that Nationwide Arena will be the site of the 2015 NHL All-Star Game.

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There will not be an exhibition of the best players in the NHL this season due to the top players in the league (and others) competing in the 2014 Winter Olympics. It only made sense to have Columbus host it since they were robbed of that opportunity last season. Atlanta was the victim of the 2004-05 All-Star Game being cancelled due to the lockout and subsequently hosted it in 2007. They too was postponed a year due to the 2006 Winter Olympics.

The last time the Blue Jackets hosted a major NHL event was the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Following Raleigh in 2011 and Ottawa in 2012, it will be the third straight occurrence where a first time city was the host.

“Columbus is an ideal host city for our All-Star Celebration,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “The facilities are first-rate, the Blue Jackets are exciting and entertaining and the fans passionately support their team and our League. Our players, sponsors, media and guests are looking forward to being in Columbus for the All-Star activities.”

In a press release provided by the club, Columbus owner John P. McConnell said “The All-Star Celebration is a marquee event featuring the best players in the world and the Blue Jackets are thrilled to be able to bring it to Central Ohio for our fans and community.

“Columbus and the Arena District offer an unmatched setting for this celebration of hockey and the NHL’s commitment to having the event here speaks volumes about the support of our fans and the strength of our market.”

It is unsure if the popular draft format will return, but considering how popular it was previously (now the NFL Pro Bowl is using the format with legends Deion Sanders and Jerry Rice serving as captains) it should be an All-Star Game mainstay.

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