WINNIPEGLogan Couture said he wouldnt have cared if Thursday came and went without him being named as an NHL All-Star.
Still, the reserved second-year scoring forward couldnt hide his excitement about being chosen as a reserve for the game, which will take place in Ottawa on Jan. 29.
Its awesome, he said before the Sharks-Jets game at MTS Centre. Its going to be a great experience, and I had a ton of fun with it last year.
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SIGN UP HERE Couture was one of 12 rookies to take part in the festivities in Carolina last season, but this is the first time hell play in the marquee event. His experience last year gave him a first-hand look at the fantasy draft format, in which the team captains choose their squads.
NEWS: Sharks' Couture an All-Star
With the lineup theyve got there, maybe Ill be the last pick, who knows, he said. Phil Kessel was the last pick, and look at him this year.
It doesnt really matter, there are so many great players there and well see what happens. It will be a fun experience.
Couture was unable to get a hold of his parents, who are vacationing in Cuba, but told his brother to email them the news.
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When I talk to them Im sure theyll be pretty excited, he said.
Couture is the Sharks leading goal scorer with 17, and is the teams lone representative.
Hell return to the city where he played his junior hockey for the Ottawa 67s. It means a lot. Back to the city of Ottawa; Ive had some great memories there," Couture said.
In just his second full NHL season, following up a campaign in which he nearly won the Calder Trophy as the leagues top rookie, Couture was asked if he expected to achieve so much so soon.
Definitely not, he said. Twenty two years old and going to an All-Star game, this is awesome. Its a huge honor to be a part of that group of players that are going.