The 2012 NHL All-Star selections have been announced, and the Chicago Blackhawks are represented by Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Hossa, a top-10 scorer in the NHL this season, received the news on his 33rd birthday while Toews wished teammate Patrick Sharp had been able to share in the honor as well. Former Blackhawks defenders and members of the 2010 Stanley Cup champions Brian Campbell (Florida Panthers) and Dustin Byfuglien (Winnipeg Jets) also earned spots in the 2012 All-Star Game.
The NHL does things a bit differently than most Amercian professional sports, as the player pool will be divided into teams not on the basis of conference affiliation, but rather as a part of the 2012 NHL All-Star Player Fantasy Draft held on January 26th. Toews is hoping he will be selected as a team captain so he can playfully lord it over teammate Patrick Kane:
#Blackhawks' Toews on NHL All-Star Game: : "Maybe I'll be the captain and see if I can pick Kaner last for once and rub that in on him."
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) January 12, 2012
Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks be sure to visit Second City Hockey. Visit SB Nation NHL for more news and notes around the league.