NEW YORK (AP) – The NHL will play a 3-on-3 All-Star tournament instead of a traditional All-Star game.
The NHL and the players union announced the format change Wednesday for the Sunday, Jan. 31 event in Nashville, Tennessee.
“We are introducing a creative new format this year in Nashville not only as a way to enhance the competitiveness of the event, but also as a vehicle to highlight and emphasize the incredible skill, speed and athleticism it takes to play our game,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement.
Players will represent the Pacific, Central, Atlantic and Metropolitan divisions in the $1 million winner-take-all tournament that will have three 20-minute games. The Central will open against the Pacific, and the Atlantic will face the Metropolitan in the semifinals, with the winners advancing to the championship game.
“I just think the All-Star game’s fantastic for those who attend it,” Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. “As far as being a spectator sport on TV, it sure hasn’t been that.”