ALL STAR SKILLS COMPETITION

If you were already excited for the All-Star game, then you'll certainly appreciate the Skills Competition where the stars of the NFHL get to showcase their individual talents that got them to the big show.

This years Skills Competition features the following events;

1. Accuracy Shooting
2. Breakaway Relay
3. Fastest Skater
4. Goalie Goals
5. Hardest Shot
6. Puck Control Relay
7. Rapid Fire
8. Goaltender Competition

Eight exciting events for fans to sink their teeth into and watch their idols/favourite players do what they do best.

Accuracy Shooting

Always a fan favourite and a chance for players to show off the sniping skills that make them as wildly successful as they are. First let’s have a quick breakdown of the rules and then a look at who this year's partic:ipants will be for the Wales and the Campbell.

Rules: There will be four participants from each conference. One goal will be awarded to the conference with the most targets hit in the fewest shots taken.

Additionally, there will be one goal awarded to the individual winners conference. In the unlikely event of a tie, each conference will receive one goal.

Participants:

Shooting first for the Campbell Conference and kicking things off for the events is Peter Stastny, of the Colorado Rockies.

Squaring up, Stastny rips the first shot top corner on the left. Then snaps home his second shot top right-hand corner. 2/2 at this point, Stastny then rips the bottom left target to go 3/3. And finally for the perfect 4/4... Stastny gets it done!! Shredding the final target in the bottom right. What a start for the Campbell Conference!

Next up representing the Wales Conference is Buffalo Sabre, Steve "Stumpy" Thomas.

Skills Competition Summary

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Next up representing the Campbell conference is Denis Maruk, of the Winnipeg Jets.

Maruk starts off as Stumpy left off, missing his first two shots at the top left target. He then beaks it on his third. His fourth connects with the bottom left. His fifth connects with the bottom right, having him at 3/5. Maruk, on a heater, then gets ice cold missing two in a row at the final target. Third time is the charm as Maruk breaks the top right-hand corner to go 4/8 for the Campbell Conference.

Next up for the Wales is "Super" Mario Lemieux, representing the reigning champion Hartford Whalers.

Mario starts on time by roping the top left corner target. Then then takes out the top right hand target. Mario making this look easy and snipes the bottom left target. Going for a perfect score, and yes Mario does it! Mario Lemieux equals Peter Stastny by going 4/4 and getting the Wales back into this thing.

Shooting next for the Campbell Conference, representing the Calgary Flames, is youngster Sergei Fedorov.

Like Lemieux, Fedorov starts off making it look easy, destroying the top left and top right target in just two shots. Sergei would prove to be human, however, as he missed his third and fourth shots at the bottom right target. He'd make his fifth shot to go 3/5 with one remaining. Fedorov would require two shots to take out the final target to post a respectable 4/7 and put pressure back onto the Wales Conference.

Next up for the Wales, with maybe even a bit of pressure, was Jaromir Jagr of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Stepping up and seeming calm Jagr bobbled and fanned on the first shot, tough start. Jagr then missed his second shot at the top left target. And then missed his third. Jagr, then pausing for a breath ripped one that finally took out the top left target. That was all Jagr needed to get the jitters out of his system as he then popped all three remaining targets with his next three shots to match Fedorov with a respectable showing of 4/7.

Next up for the Campbell Conference, and anchoring their team, is Luc Robitaille of the Los Angeles Kings.

Robitaille missed his first shot at the bottom right target. Then nailed it with his second. Same thing occurred for the top left and top right targets. On the bottom left target, Robitaille missed his first two. Visibly flustered, he broke the final target on his ninth shot to go 4/9 and to open the door for the Wales Conference. This after Stastny got the Campbell Conference off to a literal perfect start.

Shooting last for the Wales, from the Philadelphia Flyers, was John LeClair.

LeClair wasted no time sniping three targets on three shots, leaving only the bottom right target remaining. LeClair shoots... and hits the post dead centre. Leclair then recovered like a true pro and shoots the final target going a near-perfect 4/5.

Leclair's performance secured the overall win of the event for the Wales, and due to Stastny and Lemieux tying, the overall score after one event would be 2-1 for the Wales Conference.

Then next featured event will be the Fastest Skater Event.

Another exciting event, this is where the players get a chance to show their pure explosiveness and speed, while also relying on their elite edge work in the corners to power through those treacherous turns. Let's review the participants and rules for this event.

Rules: There will be three representatives from each conference. One goal will be awarded to the conference with the fastest overall skater. One goal will also be awarded to the conference with the best average time.

Participants:

First up, kicking off this event, from the Winnipeg Jets, defenceman Don Sweeney. Sweeney flew through the first two corners and set quite the pace. Finished around the last two corners without issue and putting up a speedy time of 13.348. That will be the time to beat.

Next up for the Wales Conference, Tony Tanti of the New York Islanders. Tony flew around the ice and mad quick work of the circuit but put up a time of 13.948. Good enough for second place.

The third skater of the event would be John Chabot of the hometown Detroit Red Wings and second representative of the Campbell Conference. Wow the crowd is really something as Chabot lines up. And he's off! Like the others, Chabot powers through the corners and it's over in a flash. 13.819. Good enough to move Chabot into second place and to secure the top two spots for the Campbell Conference.

The Wales' second representative is Joe Sakic, representing the Quebec Nordiques. Joe takes off at the whistle and flies around the ice. 13.957. Not a great time and unfortunately that will put Sakic in last place.

The fifth skater and final player for the Campbell Conference is Russ Courtnall of the Colorado Rockies. Russ takes off and give it his all. Finishing time of 13.902. That will place Russ in third place and the Campbell Conference is totally dominating with the top three spots locked up.

The final skater for the Wales Conference and their last hope in the Fastest Skater is Glenn Anderson. Anderson takes off and is looking pretty good. Anderson flies across the line for a final time of 13.643.

Here are the final standings and results for the Fastest Skater;

1. Don Sweeney (13.348)
2. Glenn Anderson (13.643)
3. John Chabot (13.819)
4. Russ Courtnall (13.902)
5. Tony Tanti (13.948)
6. Joe Sakic (13.957)

Campbell Conference Average - 13.689         Wales Conference Average - 13.849

The fastest skater is Don Sweeney and the Campbell Conference also wins with the fastest average. Campbell Conference wins 2-0.

This brings the total score to 3-2 for the Campbell Conference heading into our next event.

The next event will be the Goalie Goals competition. A simple event, but hey who doesn't love watching goalies sling the puck down and ice and scoring a goal for their team. Let's have a look at the rules and the competitors for both conferences.

Rules: There will be three goalies competing for each conference. The conference with the most goals at the end of the competition wins. In the unlikely event of a tie, each conference will receive one goal. Each goalie will be taking two shots.

Participants: 

First up for the competition will be the Campbell Conference.

Shooting first is Winnipeg Jets goalie Allan Bester. Bester steps up and let's one rip right into the net. Goal for Campbell.

Next up for the Campbell Conference is Edmonton Oilers goalie Patrick Roy. Roy steps up and scores his first as well. Another goal for the Campbell Conference.

The third attempt will be taken by Ron Hextall of the Los Angeles Kings. Hextall steps up and scores. A perfect 3/3 so far for the Campbell Conference.

Bester steps back up for his second attempt, and misses. The first miss for the Campbell Conference.

Patrick Roy taking his second attempt, and scores again. 2/2 for Roy.

Hextall back up for the final shot for the Campbell Conference. Hextall scores right in the centre of the net to give the Campbell Conference 5 goals on just 6 attempts. Next up will be the Wales.

Shooting first for the Wales will be the "Dominator" Dominik Hasek from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hasek steps up and scores.

Shooting second for the Wales is Bob Froese of the Buffalo Sabres. Froese eyes the net, takes his time and casually flicks the puck... just wide. First miss for the Wales Conference and if they hope to at least tie they need to go perfect the rest of the way.

The third shooter for the Wales, from the Hartford Whalers, Don Beaupre. Beaupre looks calm and unfazed by the pressure. Beaupre shoots and scores to keep the Wales alive.

Hasek steps back up for his second attempt. Hasek wastes no time and scores to go 2/2.

Looking for redemption, Bob Froese readies himself for his second attempt looking a lot more focused this time. Froese shoots and scores.

It all comes down to Beaupre. Can he get it done? The crowd is shouting, jeering Beaupre. Beaupre shoots and scores!! Talk about clutch. The Wales manage to go 5 for 6 and tie the Campbell Conference at 5 goals apiece.

This result brings the total score of the skills competition to 4-3 for the Campbell Conference.

The next event in the skills competition is the Hardest Shot competition. Without question, one of top fan favourites, this event is as simple as they come... grip it and rip it as hard as you possibly can. Here's a quick recap of the rules and who will be representing the Wales and the Campbell.

Rules: There will be four participants from each conference. Each participant will get two shot attempts to try and record the highest score possible. The hardest shot of the two attempts will be recorded and scored. The player with the highest score overall will win the competition. The conference with the highest average of their four shooters will also receive one goal.

Enough will the rules, now let's see who is participating:

Shooting first for the Campbell Conference is defenceman Brian Leetch of the Minnesota North Stars. Leetch steps up and hammers his shot 101.8 MPH.

Shooting first for the Wales Conference will be the Philadelphia Flyers star, John LeClair. LeClair steps up and rips his first shot 101.0 MPH. A second consecutive shooter going over 100 MPH.

The second shooter for the Campbell Conference is Rich Pilon of the Chicago Blackhawks. Rich skates up to the puck, shoots, 99.5 MPH. Not over 100 but still a respectable score.

The second shooter for the Wales Conference is Murray Craven from the New Jersey Devils. Craven shoots... 100.2 MPH.

The third shooter steps up for the Campbell Conference. It's none other than the winner of the fastest skater, Don Sweeney. Sweeney steps up and shoots.. 100.5 MPH.

Next up for the Wales Conference is Lyle Odelein who's representing the New York Rangers. Odelein skates up to the marker and prepares to shoot. Odelein steps into one... 104.2 MPH. Good enough for first place!

Last shooter coming up for the Campbell Conference. From the hometown Detroit Red Wings, Brian Bellows. The crowd going crazy, and Bellows is waving them on to cheer louder. Bellows steps up, shoots, 105 MPH!!! Good enough for first place !

This brings up the final shooter for the Waales Conference. Pat Verbeek of the Montreal Canadiens. Pat steps up and let's it go. 99.1 MPH.

That's all for the first attempts for both conferences. Let's take a look at the standings.

1. Brian Bellows (105.0)
2. Lyle Odelein (104.2)
3. Brian Leetch (101.8)
4. John Leclair (101.0)
5. Don Sweeney (100.5)
6. Murray Craven (100.2)
7. Rich Pilon (99.5)
8. Pat Verbeek (99.1)

Without further delay, the second attempts. 

Brian Leetch skates back to the marker hoping to improve on his first attempt. Leetch shoots and throws up a monster 104.3 which puts him in second place.

Next up is John LeClair. LeClairshoots, and holy moly he puts up 106.3. Good enough to take over the lead for the Wales.

Rich Pilon will now take the next attempt. Pilon shoots and drastically improves to 104.3 MPH.

Next up is Murray Craven. Craven skates to the marker. Winds up and releases... 100 MPH flat. 0.2 worse than his first attempt.

Now it's time for Don Sweeney to take his second attempt. Sweeney steps in and uncorks an absolute bullet. 107.5!!!! Good lord what a shot. Sweeney takes over first place.

Lyle Odelein has a tough act to follow, but somebody has to do it. Odelein claps his last attempt into the net... 104.7 MPH. A slight improvement over his last shot.

Our second last shooter is the man who was leading after the first attempts, hometown star Brian Bellows. Bellows is getting the rock star treatment from the crowd. Bellow leans into it and rips it home. 105.5 MPH. Better than his first but not good enough to reclaim first place.

Last up is Pat Verbeek, the only shooter without a score over 100 MPH. Verbeek shoots and... 103.8 MPH. Wow what an excellent showing by all of these stars.

Here are the final results:

1.  Don Sweeney - 107.5 MPH
2. John Leclair - 106.3 MPH
3. Brian Bellows - 105.5 MPH
4. Lyle Odelein - 104.7 MPH
5. Rich Pilon/Brian Leetch - 104.3 MPH

7. Pat Verbeek - 103.8 MPH
8. Murray Craven - 100.2 MPH

Campbell Conference AVG - 105.3

Wales Conference AVG - 103.8

Your winner, ladies and gentlemen, is Don Sweeney. Boy what a night he is having after also winning the fastest skater in the earlier event. The win will gift the Campbell Conference with a goal. The Campbell Conference also had the higher average and will receive an additional goal based on their team’s average. This bring the current score of the skills competition to 6-3 for the Campbell Conference.

The next event will be the Puck Control Relay. This event combines speed and skill to see who has the silkiest mitts out there while moving their feet.

Let’s have a look at the rules and the participants from each conference.

Rules: The Puck Control Relay Event will consist of two races in total. Race one will consist of three players from each conference. The second player participating for each conference must be a defensemen.

Race two will be a duel between one player from each conference. One goal will be awarded to a conference for each race that they win. If there is a a tie then each conference will receive a goal for tying that race.

Now let’s have a look at which stars will be participating for each conference.

Race One Participants:

Race Two Participants:

Starting off the race, we have Mario Tremblay facing off against Joe Sakic. The two square up and get right to it. It’s tight for awhile, but Tremblay crosses the line with a 5 foot lead.

Next up Don Sweeney is taking on Paul Coffey. Once again, the two start off and it’s close. Once again, for the third event, Don Sweeney tastes victory leading Paul Coffey by 4 feet as they cross the line.

The final pair squaring off against each other is Steve Yzerman versus Wayne Gretzky. Both skaters showing they are truly elite, however Gretzky just couldn’t be denied, overcoming the deficit and passing Yzerman. In the end it was “Tthe Great One” passing the line first with a 3 foot lead over Yzerman.

Due Gretzky’s performance, the Wales Conference 3-man squad is victorious.

Race Two features Mario Lemieux facing off against Russ Courtnall.

They both start off with a bang and are neck and neck. Slowly, Courtnall begins to increase his lead. In the end, it is Courtnall passing the line with a 2 foot lead in an incredibly close race. This would seal the deal for the Campbell Conference and both conferences would get a goal each as a result of this event.

Updated score of the skills competition is 7-4 for the Campbell Conference.

The next event will be the Breakaway Relay. There is almost nothing more exciting in hockey than the adrenaline pumping excitement of a breakaway. Player against goalie. Man vs. Man. It is also the only event in which every player selected to the All-Star game participates.

Rules: There will be 18 skaters and 3 goalies participating for each conference. The skaters are separated into 3 groups of 6 for each conference. Each goal that is scored will count toward each conference’s goal total in the event. The conference with the most goals at the end will be awarded one goal to their total.

Oh my goodness did the Campbell Conference goalies stand on their heads. The Campbell wins another one and increases their lead over the Wales in this competition to 8-4. With two events remaining.

The next event is the Rapid Fire that promises non-stop action between the pipes as shooters rip blistering shots in succession to try and beat the goalkeepers.

As always let’s do a quick review of the rules and the participants for this event.

Rules: Each goaltender will face two shooters, one at a time. There will be a total of six shooters and three goaltenders competing for each conference. Shooters will get to take five shots each. One goal will be awarded to the conference whose goalies make the most saves.

Participants: 

Now that we know who’s participating let’s get down to it. First up is the Campbell Conference.

Sergei Fedorov - Misses

Barry Pederson - Misses

Sergei Fedorov - Misses

Barry Pederson - Misses

Sergei Fedorov - Misses

Barry Pederson - Misses

Sergei Fedorov - Misses

Barry Pederson - Misses

Sergei Fedorov - Misses

Barry Pederson - Misses

Wow what a performance by Dominik Hasek! After one round of shooters, the Campbell Conference managed no goals on its first 10 shots. Time for the next group.

Dennis Maruk - Misses

Peter Stastny - Misses

Dennis Maruk - Misses

Peter Stastny - Misses

Dennis Maruk - Misses

Peter Stastny - Misses

Dennis Maruk - Misses

Peter Stastny - Scores

Dennis Maruk - Misses

Peter Stastny - Misses

The Wales goaltenders are really making things difficult for the Campbell Conference. Froese really stood on his head and represented himself well. As a result, the Campbell Conference only has one goal through 20 shot attempts. Let’s see what happens with the last group. 

Luc Robitaille - Misses

Teppo Numminen - Misses

Luc Robitaille - Misses

Teppo Numminen - Misses

Luc Robitaille - Misses

Teppo Numminen - Misses

Luc Robitaille - Misses

Teppo Numminen - Misses

Luc Robitaille - Misses

Teppo Numminen - Misses

Holy moly the Wales goaltenders put on an absolute clinic in this event. Stopping 29 of 30 point blank shots. Don Beaupre held the fort at the end and was giving Robitaille and Numminen fits. Let’s see if the Wales Conference can score as well as make the saves. 

Murray Craven - Misses

Steve Thomas - Misses

Murray Craven - Misses

Steve Thomas - Misses

Murray Craven - Misses

Steve Thomas - Misses

Murray Craven - Misses

Steve Thomas - Misses

Murray Craven - Misses

Steve Thomas - Misses

Wow what a start for the Campbell Conference in between the pipes. Allan Bester showed that he came here to win and completely shut the door on the Wales shooters to take a perfect 10/10 saves into the second round. 

Jaromir Jagr - Misses

Zigmund Palffy - Misses

Jaromir Jagr - Misses

Zigmund Palffy - Misses 

Jaromir Jagr - Scores

Zigmund Palffy - Misses

Jaromir Jagr - Misses

Zigmund Palffy - Misses

Jaromir Jagr - Misses

Zigmund Palffy - Misses

In this round of shooters, Patrick Roy showed that he is elite, stopping all but one of the Wales competitors' shots to have the Wales only have one goal on 20 shots thanks to Jagr. Let’s see what the last group can do for the Wales as they only need one goal to win this event. 

John LeClair - Misses

Wayne Gretzky- Misses

John LeClair - Misses

Wayne Gretzky - Misses

John LeClair - Misses

Wayne Gretzky- Misses

John LeClair - Misses

Wayne Gretzky - Misses

John LeClair - Misses

Wayne Gretzky - Misses

Wow what a crazy finish. Not even Gretzky and Leclair could beat Ron Hextall and, as a result, this event will end in a tie! Both conferences only managing to score one goal over thirty shots. This means that both conferences will receive one goal bring the score to 9-5 for the Campbell Conference. 

The final event has technically already taken place as it was a contest between the goalies of both conferences, with the winning side being the side that had the most saves between the breakaway and rapid fire events. 

Here’s how things ended:

Allan Bester - 14 saves

Patrick Roy - 14 saves

Ron Hextall - 16 saves

Dominik Hasek - 16 saves

Bob Froese - 12 saves

Don Beaupre - 15 saves 

Once these are all tallies up the result is:

Campbell Conference - 44

Wales Conference - 43

That’s one more goal to the Campbell conference and our final score for the Skills Competition has been decided. 

Campbell Conference - 10

Wales Conference - 5

Thanks for joining and we hope you enjoyed the events.  Make sure you the into the game itself and see if the Wales Conference can get some revenge in the contest that matters against the Campbell Conference. 

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