New All Star Game Format

Okay I know this isn't really new news anymore; after all it was released much earlier today, but I am still trying to digest this and form an opinion. In true sit-on-the-fence fashion, I can't decide if this is really something I like or not. You take a look for yourself and post some comments while I ponder this some more.

Burnaby, BC -- August 4, 2009 -- The British Columbia Hockey League's 2010 All-Star Game will see the defending Fred Page Cup champion Vernon Vipers take on a team of league All-Stars on Wednesday, January 13th at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo.

"The British Columbia Hockey League is very excited to announce a new All-Star Game format that will make for a tremendous event in a great hockey city," BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale says. "We're looking forward to an intense and highly-skilled contest."

The game marks a first for the league and a departure from the Coastal versus Interior conference structure that has long been in place for the BCHL's annual All-Star showcase.

"This new and improved All-Star format will be a huge hit with players and fans alike," says Nanaimo Clippers General Manager Bill Bestwick. "The concept of having the previous season's champion play the BCHL All-Stars will prove to be extremely competitive and the Clippers are looking forward to hosting Vernon and the rest of the league in this first-ever event."

The Vernon Vipers will be the first defending Fred Page Cup champion to participate in the game under the new format. The Vipers went on to hoist the Doyle and RBC Cups earlier in 2009, marking the team’s fifth National Championship victory.

"I think this is a fun concept and a great twist for an All-Star Game," says Vipers Head Coach Mark Ferner. "I know our players will be excited and it's a nice reward for them and for the organization for winning a league championship."

Okay I have decided that I like this if for no other reason than it changes up the old format that many people agreed was getting a little tired and in need of some spicing up. Through sheer numbers alone, the competition to get selected onto the "Stars" team will make it tougher with less than half the players being selected compared to the previous formula.

If I have a concern it would be with the "Champs" team because that team won't really be the championship team from the previous season because of attrition. I agree with Mark Ferner that this is quite the reward and an opportunity for the defending champion to let the league know they intend on repeating.

Until I understand how the selection process will work I have to assume (and yes I know what that makes me) that the cream of the crop will be chosen to play for the Stars team giving them a decided edge. Players selected or expected to be selected in the NHL draft along with players that have earned NCAA scholarships and have experience in international and national tournaments typically show up on the All Star roster. Whereas the defending champions will contain one part returning players and two parts new players to the program either as rookies or acquisitions.

That aside we do of course play the game on a sheet of ice, not a piece of paper. So yes, I do like this new formula and see many reasons to be excited about the 2010 BCHL All Star Game January 13th in Nanaimo.