With a nine day break in action for the Columbus Blue Jackets, here are nine things you can do to pass the time.
The NHL All-Star break and NHLPA mandatory five day break run together for the Columbus Blue Jackets giving them a whopping nine consecutive days off in late January. Everyone except for Seth Jones and Cam Atkinson who of course are participating in the festivities in San Jose.
The time off will be welcomed with open arms by the Jackets and their staff who have been grinding away at the 82 game long wood chipper of a season. But for fans, it leaves us wanting and waiting for the return of our hockey team.
Although in the midst of the season it doesn’t seem so, there are other things in life though besides hockey. Plenty of merriment and joy to be had outside of watching the CBJ.
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Here are nine things you can do on your nine day break to pass the time before the Jackets return to action against Buffalo on January 31st.
9. Watch the All-Star Game Skills Competition, but not the All-Star Game
All-Star festivities kick off with the skills competition on Friday, January 25th in San Jose. The skills competition is a great time from the fastest skater challenge to hardest shot. It’s about as laid back as any event the NHL puts on and the All-Stars even let a tiny modicum of personality shine. A true rarity in the sport.
It’s worth watching the Friday night showcase of skill unlike the actual All-Star game. Even though it is more entertaining in it’s 3-on-3 format, the game still is not appointment viewing.
Nor will it ever be.
Much like football, hockey is a sport that you can’t play at half speed. With players not willing to risk injury during an exhibition (nor should they) the game is lifeless. Sure, there’s a $1,000,000 prize to the winning division and some of the players on rookie contracts would enjoy the extra cash. But for most, the game is about getting out without hurting yourself and getting ready for the second half of the year.