The NHL All-Star festivities happened this past weekend at Enterprise Center, home of the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. While many fans recognized names such as Patrick Kane, Shea Weber, and Connor McDavid just to name a few, one player was unexpectedly chosen as an All-Star. That player is New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider.
Kreider’s teammate Artemi Panarin was originally voted in to compete in this weekend’s skills competition and game. Unfortunately, an upper-body injury forced him to withdraw just days before the game. With Mika Zibanejad declining the offer to go, Kreider immediately stepped up to the plate and headed to Missouri.
The nod would be the first ever all-star appearance for the 28-year-old Boston native. Kreider currently has seventeen goals on the season, third overall for his team. He arrived in St. Louis on Wednesday evening and took part in player media day Thursday night.
Kreider took part in the fastest skater competition on Friday night. He finished in third place, behind runner-up Connor McDavid and champion Mat Barzal. He mentioned he loved the competition as a kid, watching Rick Nash and Marian Gaborik.
As Friday night came, Kreider played as a member of the Metropolitan Division team. Unfortunately, his All-Star experience was short lived as the Atlantic Division won, 9-5. Despite the short time in St. Louis, Kreider was extremely grateful for his first All-Star experience.
“It was fun, over too quick, but it was fun. It was an incredible honor to represent the Rangers. To be able to share this with my family, it was just a really cool experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Kreider told the media after the game.
Rangerstown is extremely proud of Chris Kreider representing their team. The boys in Blueshirts are back in action Friday night at Madison Square Garden against the Detroit Red Wings.
