All-Star Game Cancelled

The National Hockey League announced on Wednesday that the 2005 All-Star Game has been cancelled due to the lockout in effect across the league. The game was to be played at Philips Arena, the home of the Atlanta Thrashers, on February 13.

A hockey season can still be salvaged but the dates that would have been taken by the All-Star Weekend would be needed to schedule regular season games. Through Wednesday, games are cancelled up to December 18.

“We’re sorry the realities of our situation have imposed themselves on what should be a special time for the city of Atlanta and our fans,” Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said in a statement Wednesday.

“The NHL and this organization are committed to bringing the all-star game to Atlanta within the next few years and presenting one of the best all-star weekends in history.”

During the lockout-shortened 1995 season, the All-Star Game scheduled to be hosted by the San Jose Sharks was cancelled. The Sharks were later awarded the 1997 All-Star Game.