Discussions

Per the NHL.com and Toronto Sun stories below, the NHL is going with a re-worked all-star format this year. Fans pick six players by a vote that starts next week, the NHL as a league then picks 36 more. The players then pick two captains and they conduct a "draft" of the all-star players to come up with each team's roster..  
 
Unique idea, will be interesting to see how it goes over from a fan perspective. Compared to last year, the fans actually choose *less* of the players (they chose both starting lineups last year for a total of 12 of the players) and it may be hard to relate to the teams since as I understand the format neither will be identified by a conference, nationality, age or what have you. In the end it still should be an entertaining display of skill. The league/PA are counting on it making for a more competitive game since the players are the ones choosing who's on what team... and if that ends up being the case I think there'll be quite a few happy hockey fans.  
 
Thoughts?  
 
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=543059#&intcmpid=nhln-button  
 
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/11/10/16072091.html