With a host of anniversaries coming up in 2017, the NHL has picked the Los Angeles Kings to host one of the season’s centerpiece events. The Staples Center and LA will host All-Star Weekend, which includes the Game, the skills competition, and whatever happens on Friday night. Happy 50th, Kings!
At this point, who knows what format this whole thing will be in. 3-on-3? 2-on-2 with a mascot running around during the action? The Chicago Blackhawks playing an exhibition against themselves? Regardless, it’ll bring some buzz to Los Angeles, which hasn’t hosted a leaguewide event since they started winning Cups. The 2010 NHL Draft took place at Staples, while the two All-Star Games in LA took place in 1981 (best known for the Triple Crown Line’s group appearance) and 2002 (best known for… uh… MVP Eric Daze?). At the very least, the event should draw a more diverse set of celebrities to Friday and Saturday night.
And next year, let’s make sure a King captains the Pacific squad.