Monday, February 1, 2016

Alums Shine at NHL All-Star Game

Scott claims MVP for Pacific Division; Larkin sets fastest skater record.

Alums Shine at NHL All-Star Game

As the best players in the NHL gathered for the 2016 NHL All-Star Game in Nashville, former college stars were among the brightest stars to shine.

Michigan Tech grad John Scott was the star of the weekend after a grass-roots fan movement helped elect the former Phoenix Coyote as captain of the Pacific Division. He scored twice and was named All-Star MVP, with Pacific Division teammates hoisting him on their shoulders in celebration.

“It’s just another one on the list of stuff that I cannot believe is happening,” Scott said of being MVP. “I never in a million years would have believed I was at an All-Star Game, the fans would be behind me like that and score two goals in a game. You can’t put it into words. You can’t write this stuff. It’s unbelievable.”

Scott, Johnny Gaudreau (Boston College), Joe Pavelski (Wisconsin) and Jonathan Quick (Massachusetts) were part of the Pacific Division team that won the new three-on-three format. Gaudreau had a goal and two assists, while Pavelski had a goal and an assist. The Pacific had more NCAA alums than thre other three divisions.

In Saturday’s Skills Competition, Detroit Red Wings rookie Dylan Larkin stole the show, breaking Mike Gartner’s 20-year-old record in the Fastest Skater event. Larkin’s lap in 13.172 seconds made him the second former Michigan Wolverine to win the Fastest Skater competition in the last three times the event has been held (Carl Hagelin in 2012).