When people complain, “Why isn’t (thing I remember loving as a child) any good anymore?,” they’re usually viewing the older version of something through the fuzzy, rose-colored glasses of nostalgia. Yet, every now and then, we come to realize that the older version was better. These cranky folks are generally correct when it comes to the NHL All-Star Game, and All-Star activities in just about any other sport for that matter.
Broadly speaking, it’s not always the NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB, or any league’s fault. Instead, it’s the nature of the beast — a beast called technology.
In those dusty, black-and-white olden days, fans of a sport simply didn’t gain the same access to stars from every team that we do in 2023. Beyond a loss of novelty, there also is likely less motivation from All-Stars to truly strut their stuff. Decades ago, pro athletes may have only enjoyed a few chances to show off on a national stage. The difference between some lucrative national endorsements and settling for local furniture store ads could very well boil down to a favourable impression in an All-Star Game.
Now, All-Star festivities are mostly a hassle for players — something to disrupt a coveted vacation, and maybe a situation where they risk embarrassment or injury.
Look, this piece isn’t going to wave a magic wand and make the NHL All-Star Game better than it was during its irreplicable peak years. Instead, the goal is to manufacture more All-Star Game moments that people … you know, might actually remember? Maybe get a laugh from, or want to watch? Bold goals, indeed, but let’s try.
Tkachuk vs. Tkachuk
Let’s take a page from the NFL Pro Bowl’s Manning brother gimmick, but raise the volume and the temperature.
For one thing, Brady Tkachuk versus Matthew Tkachuk would feature two active players (luckily, both are also credible NHL All-Stars). Considering how young the two Tkachuk brothers are (Matthew 25, Brady 23), you could even try to nudge the two into a series rematches down the line.
Of course, the Tkachuk brothers aren’t just active players. They’re also some of the most eccentric characters in the game.
Remember how much fun Brady Tkachuk had while both cheering and jeering Matthew during the Flames’ playoff run?
Now imagine the smack talking and shenanigans if each brother captained a side in a…