The NHL All-Star Game is something I loved it from ages 4 to 15.
Then I became a cynical d-bag (it was the 90s, but I still didn't grow a goatee, cause I've always been cool) and did not like the all-star game anymore.
From ages 15 to 34, I was too cool for the all-star game. I also avoided many other trends I also thought were for losers, like skinny jeans, angled haircuts, half beards, owning a cell phone, pop music, saying "LOL" and facebook.
But at the age of 34, my son started watching hockey and he loves the all star game. This lead to a now four year tradition of us getting some DQ, some hockey cards and then watching the game, which I've come to enjoy.
Around this time I also got a cell phone (which I at least use about 99% less than most duds seem to) and heard the song "Bootylicious" for the first time. I became a huge fan of Nelly, and even relented on the Facebook for two years (though I shut it down November 9th 2016, and never went back).
But it can still be improved.
Here is how:
1) Like all broadcasts, Mike Johnson should be the central analyst.
2) It is now a Pierre McGuire free zone.
3) Consistently get good musical guests.
4) Allow non-all-stars to enter the skills comp if they want.
5) Allow gambling on the skills comp
6) Cheerleaders
7) Have ex- All Stars enter the skills comp
8) Pay someone smart to come up with some better ideas for the skills comp
9) Allow one lucky civilian to play for each team in the 3 on 3 game.
10) Have GMs be part of the skills comp, and have a live trade negotiating segment where the trades count.
11) One idea I have for the skills comp is that you release 40 lives cats on the ice and whoever catches the most wins. Points are deducted if you skate over a cat.
The last cat left becomes the official spokescat of the NHL, which is an honorary title that we all pretend to take super seriously.
12) Mascot Battle Royale, using the same exact rules as a WWF Battle Royale.
I believe these rules would add a level of excitement or people unlike myself who do not just enjoy the game for sentimental reasons.