The newly remade NHL all-star game is coming up, and like most new ideas, there has been controversy around the changes.

The format of the all-star game has changed consistantly over the years. Originally, the winner of the NHL Stanley Cup faced off against the best players in the rest of the NHL. Then, the best American players would face the best Canadian players. After that, the East vs. West, as seen in other leagues such as the NBA, became the new format. Before the last format change, captains selected their teams.

This new format is now a three-on-three style game where teams are based on the players’ divisions. There are three 20 minute games and four teams, one for each division in the NHL. The first two games determine the matchup in the third game, which is a “championship” between the winners of the first two games.

When the new format was announced, many students disliked the changes: “I didn’t like the old format because it was a waste of time,” senior Peter Artinian said. “They weren’t trying. The score was too high and it wasn’t very competitive.”

Senior Michael Moral agreed. “The all-star game is kind of a joke all the time,” said Moran.

Junior Danny Fay had some skepticism about the changes. “We’ll see how it goes. I think they’re just trying to make it more exciting for the fans. I’m not sure if it will work or not,” Fay said.

Students believe that the all-star game format was changed to increase competitiveness and create new interest. Senior Nick Madden added, “All-star games aren’t about competitiveness, they are for the fans.”

The new format has advantages, including that it will be more competitive, more rewarding to players (there is a cash prize for the winners), and there will likely be more viewership.

But there are disadvantages as well. There is a possibility that the game could turn into a popularity contest.

Many students predict that the Central division will win because that is the division the Blackhawks are in. Madden even admitted his bias when asked which division will win. “The division the Blackhawks are in will win, but honestly, I’m biased,” Madden said.

As with every all star game, there are players who should have been on the team and those whose presence comes into question. The Blackhawks’ Corey Crawford and Marian Hossa were popular choices among fans as players that should’ve made the team. Devan Dubnyk and John Tavares were two players who made it onto the team, but weren’t as worthy of a spot as others in some fan’s opinions.

While the student body believes Hossa and Crawford were snubbed, they do appreciate the recognition given to all-stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Kane is even the captain of the Central division team. “It’s amazing and really cool that he will be a captain,” Artinian said.

Moran believes this recognition was well deserved. “The Hawks are the dynasty of the NHL. The championship rings speak for themselves,” Moran said.