It is easy to rip this event. However, as much as I too have said the game itself has never interested me. This one has been very different. I will keep adding to this list throughout the game...

#1 The Fans. These people are in a word "happy." Lewis Black, from the Daily Show was just on the screen here as one of many Celebs welcoming people to Carolina. Lewis is the kind of comedian who is known for his no-nonsense sense of humor and his line summed it up perfectly..."Welcome to Carolina. If you aren't having fun, that's your fault."

#2 The Fans. This is the first All-Star Game I have attended where the fans attending the event aren't jaded about the event itself. These folks are truthfully thankful the game is here. No sense of entitlement. They are the loudest All-Star fans I have ever witnessed.

#3 The Production Value. Again, the best I have seen at an event like this. The event started with a bunch of kids skating to center ice and throwing their sticks into the middle of the ice and separating them. Then from one side of the rink skated Rod Brind'amour saying, "I think you drew my stick." Then from the other side of the rink skates Ron Francis saying the same thing. It was a great moment and showed how this new market hockey franchise, in the south, already has its own story. And they get it is their story.

#4 The Fans. I have seen countless teenagers and youger kids who have made their own homemade shirts that say "Team Staal" on them. And they are waving signs saying the same.

#5 The Players are feeding off of the energy of the fans and loving this building. They also may have some more energy having been drafted. It will be interesting to see...

#6 The Fans. Loudest ovation for a Canadian National Anthem I have ever heard in an American building. Again...these folks have welcoming in their bones...

#7 The Fans. They are even cheering Southeast rival Ovechkin



I will add more tidbits as we go...enjoy..

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