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In a previous blog, I wrote about how I felt the "vote for John Scott" All-Star write-in campaign was disrespectful and embarassing to the player. Once he actually got elected and decided to be a good sport and go, my belief was that he should be allowed to participate in the All-Star game even after the enforcer was demoted to the AHL and then traded to the Eastern Conference.
I have no idea about what, if anything, went on behind the scenes to try to avoid have Scott participate or at least to dissuade him. At any rate, since the NHL has decided to let him participate as the captain of the Team Pacific squad, I am glad the matter is put to rest. I also think it was the right decision.
The All-Star Game ceased to be a genuine game a long time ago, and the 3-on-3 "tourney" is pretty much an acknowledgement of it. Scott had the right attitude all along -- let the fans have their fun with it -- and the NHL is now on board with it, too. Besides, it's not the first time an enforcer has been selected for the All-Star Game. Mike Milbury once placed Chris Nilan on his All-Star roster in 1991. The only reason "Knuckles" didn't play was that he had a broken ankle.
During my playing days in the WHA and NHL, let's just say that I wasn't too concerned about making travel plans for the All-Star Game. I knew my All-Star Game chances were about the same as striking oil in the backyard and then marrying Cheryl Tiegs, so I never gave it a second thought. Then again, John Scott's chances presumably were about as good as mine until the NHL designed the current (and sure to be changed for next year) system.
I did get to work the NHL All-Star Game as a referee, and it was a memorable experience. Have fun, John, and I'm glad you are the one getting the last laugh here.
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Today, Stewart serves as director of hockey officiating for the ECAC at both the Division 1 and Division 3 levels.
The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.