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Little enjoys YoungStars game

Written by: Tyler Bodman on 24th January 2009

Bryan Little got to experience a NHL all-star weekend for the first time in Montreal. | read this item

MONTREAL – It wasn’t the result that former Barrie Colt Bryan Little was expecting, when he was held scoreless in a 9-5 loss to the NHL rookies on Saturday night, but that wasn’t about to spoil his weekend.

The Atlanta Thrashers’ star centre played as one of 10 NHL sophomores participating in the YoungStars game. The game was held after the Fan Fav Breakaway Challenge, during the SuperSkills event.

“We played with three forwards on our line so we weren’t exactly defensive,” said Little after the game. “I think we gave up a lot of goals. The main thing is just to have fun with it. I think we did.”

Little, who is no stranger to All-Star festivities having played in three OHL All-Star games and the CHL Top Prospects game, enjoyed the three-on-three format of the YoungStars game.

“It was exciting,” said Little as he watched the shooting accuracy competition from the dressing room. “There was lots of offense. That’s what it’s all about, a show for the fans. I think they enjoyed it.”

The teams played three six-minute periods with three skaters and a goalie each on the ice at a time in a game that saw lots of shots, tricky passing and end-to-end rushes that ignited the 21,273 fans that packed the Bell Centre.

“It makes you realize how big hockey is here. They are pretty awesome fans, I love it.”

The fans in Montreal were the talk of the weekend, showing their support of hockey by filling the rink and cheering wildly for events that typically lack intensity. Little got an extra dose of that by playing alongside Habs goaltender Carey Price.

“Definitely,” agreed Little. “Skating on the ice [Saturday] and seeing how packed it was and how excited the fans were for an All-Star game and skills competition, it makes you realize how big hockey is here. They are pretty awesome fans I love it.”

“Yea, there’s no pressure on us here,” added Price. “We’re all here to have some fun, mingle with some other players from the other teams. We get to see a different personality about them.”

The Montreal crowd even impressed Tampa Bay Lightning start and native Quebecer Vincent Lecavalier.

“We never see it like that,” he said. “To be here, to be able to experience what I’ve seen the last two or three days – It’s pretty unbelievable.”

Boston Bruins’ rookie forward Blake Wheeler stole the show, scoring four goals and adding an assist, for the Rookies to earn MVP honours.

Luc Robitaille coached the Rookies and former Canadiens star Pete Mahovlich was behind the bench for the Sophomores.

Little says even though he hasn’t played in Barrie since 2007 he still follows his former team whenever he gets the chance.

“I talk to quite a few guys,” he said. “I saw a bunch of my old teammates this past summer we all met up in Barrie for a weekend. So, we still keep in touch. They’re real good friends of mine.”

Bryan Little and the Atlanta Thrashers will be back in action tonight when they visit the Dallas Stars.

From the Barrie Advance

Topics: Atlanta Thrashers, Barrie Advance, Barrie Colts, Bell Centre, Bryan Little, Montreal, NHL All-Star