Logan Thompson Excited For All-Star Game, Wants Kessel and Cotter To Join Him

He didn't expect the nomination, but Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson is excited to be heading to the 2023 NHL All-Star Game. Thompson was one of the first 32 players named by the NHL's Department of Hockey Operations on Thursday night. 

This year's NHL All-Star Game will take place in Sunrise, Florida, on Feb 3rd and Feb 4th.

"I think it's going to be a lot of fun. I wasn't really expecting it, but I'm happy to be mentioned and I'm looking forward to it. It's definitely special but at the end of the day I think the goal is to win the Stanley Cup. That is my goal," said Thompson, who humbly mentioned the ultimate goal.

The rookie Thompson has played in 28 games for the Golden Knights this season, taking over the starting role from injured Robin Lehner. He has an 18-9-1 record with a .915 save percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average. This is the first All-Star Game selection for Thompson. 

Being a goalie, LT will get to compete in several skills challanges in during All-Star Weekend, including the Save Streak and Shootout Challange.

"I think it is going to be a lot of fun, except every player is really good. So it should be interesting. Knowing me, I might crumble so we will see how it goes," said Thompson, who will be going up against guys like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Tage Thompson.

As a rookie goaltender who has been named to the All-Star Game, Thompson has a lot in common with Golden Knights director of goaltending Sean Burke, who also accomplished this feat in 1989 with the New Jersey Devils.

"He did the same as a rookie and I like having him as a goalie coach. As a guy who has played I can relate to him a lot. He is always in my corner and me, him, and Hillsy (Adin Hill) have a great relationship," said Thompson.

Speaking of coaching, Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy will almost certainly join Thompson in Florida. As pointed out by Jesse Granger of the Athletic, the NHL's All-Star coaches are determined by which teams are leading the four divisions by Jan. 11th. Mathmatically, the Golden Knights are confirmed to be in first place in the Pacific Division by this point, which means Cassidy will be the Pacific Division head coach.

More VGK members also have the possibility of participating in the All-Star Game.

Last season the NHL All-Star Game was in Las Vegas, and Jonathan Marchessault, Mark Stone, Alex Pietrangelo, as well as former head coach Peter DeBoer, participated in the event.

NHL fans will have the chance to vote in the remaining players to round out the rosters from now until Jan. 17th. They can do so by going to the NHL's official Game Zone website or Tweeting the player's name followed by #NHLAllStarVote. For example- Jack Eichel #NHLAllStarVote.

"Maybe get Paul Cotter or Phil Kessel to the game, I think those would be two fun guys to hang out with for a weekend," said Thompson.