The 2024 NHL All-Star game is set to take place this weekend, and fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the event. Each year, the All-Star game provides unforgettable moments that become etched in hockey history. From incredible performances by star players to unexpected surprises, let’s revisit some of the most memorable moments from previous NHL All-Star games.
Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howe, made his final appearance at the All-Star game in 1980. Despite being six years removed from playing for the Red Wings, Howe received a heartfelt standing ovation from the crowd at the Joe Louis Arena. He even notched an assist in the game, marking his 23rd All-Star appearance before retiring at the end of the season. Playing for the Hartford Whalers at the time, Howe helped the Wales Conference secure a 6-3 victory. It was also notable because a young 19-year-old Wayne Gretzky made his first of 18 All-Star game appearances.
In 1984, Grant Fuhr became the first Black player to win the All-Star game MVP. He made an impressive 15 saves against the Wales Conference, which featured notable names like Mario Lemieux and Mike Bossy. Despite Fuhr’s outstanding performance, his Campbell Conference team lost in overtime with a final score of 4-3.
The 1990 All-Star game in Pittsburgh saw Mario Lemieux dominate the ice. He recorded a record-breaking six points, including three goals and three assists. His exceptional performance included the game-winning goal in overtime. Sidney Crosby, another legendary Penguins player, currently holds the record for the most points in a single All-Star game with eight, achieved in 2019.
At the 2020 All-Star game, Boston winger David Pastrnak served as the captain of the Atlantic Division. During the game, Pastrnak took a moment to share his thoughts with an official while on the bench, using the captain’s “C” on his jersey as justification. The amusing interaction was captured on film, providing a lighthearted moment for fans. Despite Pastrnak’s efforts, his team ultimately lost the championship game with a score of 5-4.
In 2012, Zdeno Chara amazed the crowd with his record-setting slapshot. Clocking in at a staggering 108.8 miles per hour, Chara’s shot was nearly 40 miles per hour faster than the top speed of a cheetah. The towering 6-foot-9 defenseman, who played for the Boston Bruins at the time, acknowledged the increasing power of shots in the game, making it a challenge to come out on top.
The NHL All-Star game is known for its signature events, and the breakaway challenge is one of the most anticipated. In 2011, Patrick Kane took center stage during his turn. As he approached the blue line, he called over his teammate Marian Hossa, who handed him a Superman cape and Clark Kent-style glasses. Kane proceeded to slide on his stomach, manipulating the puck with his hand before returning it to his stick and successfully scoring against goaltender Brian Elliott.
The 2015 All-Star game in Columbus introduced a unique format, as the captains of each team held a draft to select their rosters regardless of conference affiliation. The player chosen last in the draft would win a car, which Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin had his eye on. Ovechkin pleaded with the captains to select him last, hoping to secure the coveted Honda Accord. However, he was picked second to last, much to his disappointment. Ovechkin later revealed that he had planned to donate the car to charity rather than keeping it for himself.
One of the most unconventional and memorable All-Star moments occurred in 2016. John Scott, a journeyman player who had bounced between various NHL teams and the minors, unexpectedly won the fan vote for All-Star captain of the Pacific Division. Despite the league’s initial reluctance and the team’s request for him to withdraw, Scott decided to participate. However, due to a trade and subsequent assignment to the AHL, Scott was no longer eligible to play in the NHL All-Star game. Nevertheless, he defied the odds and scored two goals in the semifinal game, leading the Pacific team to victory. Scott’s unexpected success garnered widespread support and earned him the MVP title.
The 2016 All-Star game also featured a unique format, with Team North America facing off against Team World. Team North America, composed of players from the U.S. and Canada, emerged victorious with a thrilling 14-12 win. The return of Mario Lemieux, who had taken a break from hockey, added to the excitement. Lemieux scored a goal and contributed an assist, while Bill Guerin achieved a hat trick and Theo Fleury scored just 49 seconds into the game.
Nolan, a winger for the San Jose Sharks, replicated a famous moment from a completely different sport during the All-Star game. Just like Babe Ruth had famously called his shot in baseball, Nolan pointed at the goal after completing a hat trick in his hometown. His impressive feat included scoring against future Hall of Famers Martin Brodeur and Dominic Hasek.
These moments from past NHL All-Star games remind us of the excitement, skill, and unexpected surprises that make the event a highlight of the hockey season. As fans eagerly await the 2024 All-Star game, they can look forward to witnessing new moments that will undoubtedly become part of the game’s rich history.
