Denver

The NFHL’s general managers have spoken. The All Star Game starters were announced last night and the Campbell Conference will have three Colorado Rockies on ice for puck drop. Mario Tremblay, Petr Svoboda and Kelly Hrudey were all voted to the starting line up. Joining them will be three Winnipeg Jets. It’s only the 3rd time in the history of the NFHL that two teams share the starting line up for either conference.

1983 saw the Wales Conference have 5 of 6 starters come from Long Island. 1985 had the Wales Conference split the starters between Philadelphia and Long Island. It will be the first time the Campbell Conference will see the feat.

It probably shouldn’t have happened except for a last minute position change in Denver. Shortly after the Rockies traded to acquire Jeremy Roenick, they moved soon-to-be Hall of Fame forward Mario Tremblay to right wing. The 40-year old is still going strong and is leading the Rockies in scoring. He is the highest scoring right winger in the league and was voted to the starting spot with one total point ahead of Hawks budding start Bill Guerin.

GM Mike Smith said, “It doesn’t matter where Mario plays. He is an All Star. Whether it’s the first shift or not, he was going to the game. Just on career merit alone, he would have been there. This is the last year we see this guy play. The NFHL understands and recognizes greatness. I am not surprised the managers voted him to start. Thank you to them”.

Petr Svoboda is quietly going about his business averaging a point per game while anchoring the Rockies’ blue line. The Czech native is the league leader in total hits. Smith added, “I think Petr has brought an edge to the team that we’ve missed for some time. He’s our rock back there. Well deserved choice to represent us at the game”.

Finally, Kelly Hrudey will make his 4th All-Star Game appearance after starting in 1986, 1987 and as a reserve in 1995. Smith finished, “I think Kelly is playing some of the best hockey he ever has in his entire career. There’s been a knock on Kelly over the course of his career that the talent in front of him helps create his legacy. I’d be lying if I said that any goalie would appear better playing with a superior team in front of them. Hell, imagine Sean Burke’s numbers here? All jokes aside, I think Kelly has cemented a Hall of Fame career here and we are hoping we can ride his success this season to a championship”.