Posted by Roy Mlakar on January 17, 2008

Any player who tells the media he doesn't want to play in an all-star game, after either being selected by the fans or the NHL hierarchy, is a loser. An all-star appointment provides any player with more than just an "honour" but also with credibility among his peers.

"I love going to play in the game," commented four-time selection and Sens Captain Daniel Alfredsson. "It's not only fun to play with the best players, but to be on the "stage" in front of all hockey fans in North America. Alfie will start the game as the first Senator ever selected by the fans. He also will be flanked by two of the game's best in Alexandre Ovechkin and Sydney Crosby. "Playing with those guys will be fun too, especially in the starting line-up," said Daniel. Actually, until star forward Dany Heatley got hurt last week, Heatley was joining the captain and Jason Spezza on the team. Re-uniting those three would have been a fun option for Eastern Conference coach John Paddock.

Spezza also is excited about his first all-star game. "Sure, it's an honour," said the young centre. "Everybody has told me that not only is it a challenge, but a lot of fun to play with the best players in the world. Would have really liked Heater to play as the three of us might have gotten a few shifts together(maybe)," said Spezza.

So the "challenge" is scheduled for Sunday night on Jan. 27 in Atlanta. CBC will cover all the action and, as always, expect a high-scoring, highly skilled event. And, as always, it will be FUN to watch!