2011 NHL All-Star Game: Fan Fair and Fantasy Draft kick off weekend

NHL Fan Fair - Raleigh - P. Koutroumpis

The atmosphere was electric at the Raleigh Convention Center on Friday as the 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend kicked off in Raleigh, NC. With many displays including all of the NHL's hardware and trophies in one location, including the Stanley Cup, NHL Fan Fair filled up quickly with hundreds of fans as the doors opened at 3 pm. Murals of current and past NHL greats adorned the exhibit hall and welcomed fans to view and engage with many interactive exhibits to connect them closely to the game.  

Eric Staal hands diapers to Ellen Pompeo - P. Koutroumpis

Hockey for Huggies 

The NHL held a press conference to kick of 'Hockey for Huggies', a new partnership with Kimberly-Clark's Huggies Brand, a partnership to help collect diapers and donations for moms and babies in need in the U.S. and Canada. As part of the partnership, actress Ellen Pompeo made an appearance as part of the program. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced that during the month of February every NHL team will hold a Hockey for Huggies night to promote the initiative for fans to donate diapers at their home team's arena in specially-designated containers.

Fantasy Draft has hometown feel

Alex Ovechkin - P. Koutroumpis

It came as no surprise with a packed house in attendance that the the first-ever NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft had a lot of energy buzzing throughout the convention center. The player's pre-draft press mixer resembled a mosh pit as the players and coaches made their way to the stage behind the scenes. The crowd was a loud and cheering sea of red as the hometown Carolina Hurricanes stole the show as captain Eric Staal had the opportunity to draft all of his teammates - Cam Ward, Jeff Skinner, and Jamie McBain.



Updated Examiner.com stories - All-Star Game edition

Maurice & Henri Richard - P. Koutroumpis

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2011 NHL All-Star Game: Hurricanes rookie Skinner has skills