Datsyuk, Chelios Invited to All-Star Game

Detroit rookie Pavel Datsyuk and veteran Chris Chelios will join Brendan Shanahan, Nicklas Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov and Dominik Hasek in this weekend’s All-Star festivities in Los Angeles.

Datsyuk will replace Phoenix’s injured Krystofer Kolanos in the YoungStars game on Friday night. Chelios will join Shanahan on the North American All-Star roster, taking the place of New Jersey’s injured Brian Rafalski.

Datsyuk said it was “very exciting news” through interpreter Sergei Fedorov.

The 40-year-old Chelios will be making his 11th All-Star appearance. “I’ve always enjoyed going, and obviously, I don’t have too many left,” he said.

All-Star Weekend is this weekend, starting with the YoungStars Game taking place Friday night and concluding with the All-Star Game on Saturday afternoon.