NASHVILLE, TN – History was made on this perfect 65 degree day.
Phones and cameras flashed, crowds cheered, and all that was in the air was sunshine and country music at the 2016 NHL All-Star Red Carpet Event and Skills Competition.
“It’s pretty awesome,” said Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin.  “I’ve done a few of these before and this is probably my favorite one so far. The fan support is incredible here. I’ve played in Nashville a few times but you don’t remember it being like this until you’re actually here. It’s been a great event.”
That was the prevailing sentiment among the players that stopped to share a few words with us.
“It’s incredible to see this turnout,” said Brandon Saad of the Columbus Blue Jackets. “Being on the red carpet now that the event is starting is really exciting.” There was so much anticipation in the crowd that when we were walking down the red carpet to our places, several fans asked us at Pro Hockey News for our autographs.
Mapleleafs’ forward Leo Komarov was humbled by the experience. “It’s an honor,” he stated. “I’m honored to be here. It feels good to be here in this fine city with all these wonderful fans.”
Even with a slight slip coming around the second goal as his stick nicked the top of a border cone, Detroit Redwings’ Dylan Larkin broke the fastest skater record that had stood for 20 years. Clocked at 13.172 seconds for a full rink lap, he topped Mike Gartner’s record of 13.386 that was set in 1996.
The Predators’ own Shea Weber won the hardest shot competition for the second straight year with a shot that registered 108.1 mph. The Eastern Conference walked away with the event, outscoring the West 29 – 12 despite a “goal” by country music legend Dierks Bentley off of an “assist” by hometown wingman James Neal.
“It’s great having this here in Nashville,” Neal said. “Being in front of our home fans makes it special. I couldn’t be happier with the turnout. This is just great.”
All images by Don.Haas@prohockeynews.com
Red Carpet Event
Skills Competition
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