2015 NHL All-Star Game set for Columbus
The 2013 NHL All-Star Game was supposed to be hosted by the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it was never played because of the lockout last season.
Ohio's capital city will get another chance in 2015 when the midseason classic is played in Nationwide Arena, the NHL announced Saturday. The weekend festivities, which include the skills competition, are scheduled for Jan. 24-25, 2015.
"The All-Star celebration is a marquee event featuring the best players in the world and the Blue Jackets are thrilled to be able to bring it to central Ohio for our fans and community," Blue Jackets majority owner John P. McConnell said in a statement. "Columbus and the arena district offer an unmatched setting for this celebration of hockey and the NHL's commitment to having the event here speaks volumes about the support of our fans and the strength of our market."
Columbus was the site of the NHL Entry Draft in 2007 but never has staged the NHL All-Star Game. The last two cities in which the all-star game was played -- Raleigh, N.C., and Ottawa -- also were first-time hosts.
"Columbus is an ideal host city for our All-Star celebration," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "The facilities are first rate, the Blue Jackets are exciting and entertaining, and the fans passionately support their team and our league. Our players, sponsors, media and guests are looking forward to being in Columbus for the all-star activities."
No NHL All-Star Game will be played in 2014 because of the break in the schedule in February for the Sochi Winter Olympics.
