The National Hockey League is holding their annual All Star game in Montreal this year. It is the centennial anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens hockey club (les habitants), thus the city selection makes sense. What does not make sense is the way the players are chosen and the fact that the game is meaningless.

Unlike the recent Winter Classics and the Stanley Cup playoffs, many people tend to shun the All-Star game due to the fact that it is a non-checking, boring, high-scoring affair. It’s understandable, because the players do not want to get injured for a meaningless game. That could cost them millions of dollars (Doesn’t look like the economic downturn will bother professional athletes too much, does it?).

The solution would be to make the game meaningful. Stanley Cup home ice goes to the team from the winning conference. This would also stop players from not wanting to participate. As it stands now, if the player does not want to play he is suspended for one regular season game. This is where management is sticking their fingers where they do not belong. Let the players police themselves. If the stakes are high the best players will want to play, and those that do not will be held accountable by their peers.

Additionally, to boost the popularity of the game, turn it into an outdoor game in a large stadium, much like the Winter Classic. Give it an all world feeling of importance. Instead of fighting with the players union, the owners should work with them to promote the game of hockey as a global sport. There is no better place to start than at the All Star Game, which is supposed to be the showcase for your best players.