Avid hockey fan Will Arnett hosts 2016 NHL Awards

When actor Will Arnett hosts the 2016 NHL Awards in Las Vegas on June 22, he won't be there as just a master of ceremonies, he will be there as a hockey fan as well.
"I'm going to be a bystander … a part of the audience like everyone else," Arnett, who was officially announced as the host Tuesday, said of the show which will be held at The Joint, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's state-of-the-art concert and entertainment venue.

The Canadian-born Arnett is a follower of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and friends with Hall of Fame member and Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan, but when it comes to meeting hockey players, the five-time Emmy nominee admits he is in awe.
"I guess I only really get starstruck by hockey players," Arnett told NHL.com. "I remember I went to the Olympics in Vancouver with Shanny, and I made him keep introducing me to hockey players. I would be like 'start a conversation with Mats
But Arnett now has nothing but praise for the job Shanahan is doing at the helm of the Maple Leafs.
"I think the Leafs future looks really bright, Arnett said. "I think Brendan brought in so many great people. Mike Babcock is arguably the best coach in the game right now, and may go down as one of the great hockey coaches ever. And bringing him in and general manager] Lou Lamoriello, who is obviously a proven champion and a great hockey mind and put together some many awesome teams in New Jersey … they are putting a great team together."
Arnett is so confident in the Maple Leafs, he's planning a different type of awards show for 2017.
"I'm excited to host the 2016 NHL Awards because we all know in 2017 I'll be too busy celebrating the Leafs winning the Stanley Cup," Arnett said.
A full lineup of presenters and entertainment, information on broadcasting and tickets, as well as hospitality and travel packages through PrimeSport will be announced at a future date. In addition, fans can tweet about the event using the official hashtag #NHLAwards.
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