The NHL announced Saturday that the 2013 All-Star Game will be held in Columbus, hosted by the Blue Jackets.
NHL All-Star Game Could Be Early Lockout Casualty
The NHL and NHLPA’s lack of progress on a new collective bargaining agreement and potential lengthy lockout could cost Columbus the All-Star game this season. The Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena are set to host the event on Jan. 27.
The current CBA expires Sept. 15 and training camp is scheduled to begin Sept. 21. However, little if any progress has been made in the negotiations and few expect training camp or the preseason to begin on time.
Read Article >2013 NHL All-Star Game Awarded To Columbus Blue Jackets
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 7: An exterior view of Nationwide Arena before the home opener between the Nashville Predators and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on October 7, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) Getty ImagesIt’ll be the first time the Blue Jackets have hosted All-Star Weekend, but it’s not their first time hosting a premier NHL event. Nationwide Arena was the site of the 2007 NHL Draft, and commissioner Gary Bettman praised that event as evidence to why Columbus will be a strong host for the All-Star Weekend.
“We’re looking forward to bringing our All-Star celebration to Columbus,” Bettman said. “The Blue Jackets did a great job of hosting the NHL Draft in 2007, and I have no doubt they will raise the bar even higher when they welcome our All-Star celebration next January.”
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