NHL announces that Jon Cooper, Peter Laviolette, Barry Trotz and Gerard Gallant all have been named head coaches to NHL All-Star game.
Per NHL:
Under the All-Star selection process, the head coach of the team with the highest points percentage (points earned divided by total possible points) in each of the four divisions through games of Saturday, Jan. 6 – the halfway point of the regular season – will guide the respective All-Star rosters. Cooper’s Lightning (.744, 29-9-3) posted the top points percentage in the Atlantic Division through games of Saturday, while Laviolette's Predators (.659, 24-11-6), Trotz’ Capitals (.646, 25-13-3) and Gallant’s Golden Knights (.725, 28-10-2) similarly wrapped up the highest points percentages in the Central, Metropolitan and Pacific Divisions, respectively.
Jon Cooper will be coaching at his home event, the team captained by his own Steven Stamkos (Team Atlantic) Peter Laviolette will step on the bench for the team that will be captained by his own P.K Subban of the Nashville Predators. As well as Washington Capitals duo, Barry Trotz, and Alex Ovechkin will be the leadership group of Team Metropolitan. Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant will be on the bench for Team Pacific and will be joined by Captain of the Edmonton Oilers - Connor McDavid
The Lightning, who are celebrating their 25th season, and the city of Tampa will host the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend. The League’s midseason showcase will take place at Amalie Arena and will include the 2018 NHL All-Star Skills Competition on Saturday, Jan. 27 (7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS) and 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game on Sunday, Jan. 28 (3:30 p.m. ET, NBC, CBC, SN, TVAS).