The NHL will tell you that All Star weekend is a celebration of the game. In that context, perhaps it is. This year, Columbus, Ohio and the Blue Jackets could not have been better hosts. But the problem remains that the game itself is so dreadful that it ranks with the NFL Pro Bowl as far as being totally unwatchable.
Lately, there have been countless ideas about how to save the All Star Game. I have a better idea. Blow it up for a weekend of the ages. I call for something better. Let’s create The Hockey Bowl.
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The Hockey Bowl
During either Martin Luther King Day, or President’s Day weekend, the NHL could steal the headlines for a phenomenal weekend of outdoor games that actually count in the standings while celebrating the game in a way like no other sport.
Imagine the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. with a rink set at midfield. Imagine a three day weekend of action that starts on Friday night with a double header of the San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings and the Los Angeles Kings vs. the Anaheim Ducks. Then on Saturday how about another twi-night doubleheader with the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Chicago Blackhawks followed by the St. Louis Blues meeting the Montreal Canadiens? Sunday would follow with another twi-night doubleheader as the New York Rangers meet the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In the day time before the games, you could celebrate the game with special displays and tail gate parties, etc.
Instead of a worthless All Star Game that is beyond unwatchable, and one in which players try to call in sick for, you’d have games that count at an historic venue. NBCSN could broadcast the entire weekend of action with a Hockey Telethon and Rogers could do the same in Canada. Charity challenges and visits from NHL legends could be part of the festivities.
Each year, new teams and matchups could be created to give all NHL fan bases a chance to see their teams play in the Hockey Bowl.
The All Star Game is long past its usefulness. The Hockey Bowl would revolutionize professional sports and give hockey the front stage of North America in the ultimate celebration of the game.
