2024 NHL All-Star Fun Facts

🔸 The roots of the NHL All-Star Game were formed 90 years ago in Toronto, when the Maple Leafs hosted the ‘All-Star’ game on Feb. 14, 1934, as a fundraiser for forward Ace Bailey, who suffered a career-ending injury during the 1933-34 season. Thirteen years later, Toronto held the first official NHL All Star Game on Oct. 13, 1947.

🔸 The first official NHL All-Star Game called for the defending Stanley Cup Champions to play against a selection of All-Stars from the other five teams. Since then, the format has changed to pit First Team All-Stars vs. Second Team All-Stars; East Division vs. West Division; Campbell Conference vs. Wales Conference; Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference; North America vs. the World; a four-team tournament between divisions and, returning this year, a player Fantasy Draft, where All-Star players themselves determine the composition of each team.

🔸 The 2023-24 midseason showcase will mark the ninth time the Maple Leafs and Toronto host NHL All-Star activities and the first time since 2000, when they celebrated the 50th anniversary of the event. It was at this All-Star celebration that Wayne Gretzky’s No. 99 was retired and raised to the rafters. Gretzky remains the all-time leader in career All-Star Game points with 25 (13-12--25 in 18 GP).

🔸 Gordie Howe has played in the most career NHL All-Star Games. "Mr. Hockey" appeared in 23 All-Star contests, registering 10 goals and 19 points.