The NHL ice hockey league has announced that its 2024 All-Star Weekend will take place at Scotiabank Arena, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The event will comprise the All-Star Skills on February 2 and the All-Star Game the following day. It will mark the first time the event has taken place in Toronto since 2000, and the ninth overall.
The roots of the All-Star Game were formed in Toronto, with Maple Leaf Gardens hosting a game in 1934 which served as a benefit fundraiser for Maple Leafs forward Ace Bailey, who had suffered a career-ending injury during the 1933-34 season.
The Maple Leafs also hosted the first official All-Star Game in 1947 as the defending Stanley Cup champions, facing off against a selection of players from the other five teams. Toronto also hosted in 1949, 1951, 1962, 1963 and 1964.
Next year will also mark the first All-Star Game in Canada since 2012, when the Ottawa Senators played host. The 2009 event took place at Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said: “We are thrilled to bring the NHL All-Star Game back to Toronto for the ninth time, and to shine a spotlight on our current stars in a setting that evokes over a century of League history.
“Toronto fans are among the most knowledgeable and passionate in our game and the city’s rich hockey history dates back to the creation of the sport. What better place to play host to our annual mid-season celebration of the best and brightest in the NHL?”
The announcement was made over the weekend as FLA Live Arena, home of the Florida Panthers, hosted the 2023 All-Star Game. The 2022 event was held at T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights.
Further details on the 2024 event, including ticket information, will be released at a later date. Scotiabank Arena also serves as the home of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.
