  Senators president Roy Mlakar confirmed that owner Eugene Melnyk has been promised an all-star game. (Sean Kilpatrick/Ottawa Sun/SUN MEDIA) |
MONTREAL - The NHL's best will likely be coming to Ottawa in 2012.
While there won't be an all-star game next year because of the Vancouver Olympics and the 2011 weekend will be held in Phoenix since the 2005 game was cancelled due to the lockout, the celebration is expected to be played at Scotiabank Place in 2012.
Senators president Roy Mlakar confirmed this weekend that owner Eugene Melnyk has been promised an all-star game and an official application will be made by the club later this year because no decision has been made.
"Eugene was promised an all-star game when he bought the team and there has just been a series of circumstances that have pre-empted us from getting the game," said Mlakar, who is in town for the celebration.
Mlakar said Ottawa is a natural for the game. The club has held two success entry draft's, the Stanley Cup final and the world junior championships in the last four years. People in the city would be excited to have the best players in town for the weekend.
Like Montreal, the city would embrace the stars. "Everything that we've ever presented has been looked upon as tremendous and first class," said Mlakar.
"I've done all-star games in two other cities and it's a great event. It's an instant sellout. It helps your tickets and your corporate clients. It would be a home run, for sure."
