The Hockey News: Headlines: Steve Mason handed goalie assignment for rookies at YoungStars Game

Steve Mason handed goalie assignment for rookies at YoungStars Game

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason is shown in this photo. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Paul Sancya

2009-01-09 14:20:00

NEW YORK - Steve Mason has earned a pretty tough assignment for the NHL's YoungStars Game.

He'll be in goal for the rookie team against a sophomore squad that has plenty of scoring talent.

Nicklas Backstrom, Devin Setoguchi and Bryan Little headline the sophomore team for the three-on-three matchup that will be played Jan. 24 in Montreal - the day before the all-star game.

The YoungStars Game should be a wide-open affair, making the job tough for Mason and sophomore goalie Erik Ersberg.

The rookie team is anchored by a pair of 19-year-old defencemen - Luke Schenn and Drew Doughty - and will be led by forwards Kris Versteeg, Blake Wheeler and Patrik Berglund.

Also earning forward spots for the freshman are James Neal, Michael Frolik, Mikkel Boedker and Steven Stamkos.

The sophomore blue-line will be patrolled by Marc Staal and Kris Letang, while Andrew Cogliano, Milan Lucic, Brandon Dubinsky and Mason Raymond round out the forward unit.

This will be the sixth YoungStars Game, but the first using the rookie-sophomore format.

COMMENTS (7)

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David Stuffles Posted
(2009-04-30 07:40:47)

The Young Stars Game should be the hightlight of the ASG weekend. It seems that the youth are taking over the NHL in many situations. It starts with the WJC over the Christmas break that most Canadians watch. Then we watch these players get drafted. Then they become stars. The 3-on-3 format is amazing to showcase their skills, and should be the full 60 minutes, not the aging veterans trying to make sure that they don't get injured.

Alicia Posted
(2009-04-30 07:38:50)

Luke Schenn over Luca Sbisa? Funny. Sbisa has played in more games and has more points. He's been relied on all season not only as a defenseman but when the injuries piled up he was called to play forward on the top line. I cannot even believe he is 18 because he is so calm out on the ice. Sure Sbisa isn't a household name but it's not his fault he doesn't play in the center of the hockey universe and is just a kid out of the great country of Italy. Sbisa was drafted later and is younger and I would have never predicted him making the team after just being drafted. It makes the whole trading Umberger thing easier to handle. Maybe they thought they had to have a Canadian team represented in the East. Luke Schenn had to be picked since there were no other players picked from a Canadian team in the east. Oh well. That just means more rest for Sbisa. Just look out for his name in the future. He's gonna be a great defenseman.

yep he sure should Posted
(2009-04-30 07:38:28)

Yes mason should be next in line for the all stars in Luongo can go, But, seeing how the NHL loves Columbus, i bet they will give the NOD to Turco or someone

Mike Posted
(2009-04-30 07:38:05)

Where is Brandon Sutter of the Canes?

Flyer guy Posted
(2009-04-30 07:38:04)

If Luongo misses the game (he should) will Mason get moved up to the big game?

Jessie Posted
(2009-04-30 07:38:00)

Good for him, but he needs the rest.

Josh Posted
(2009-04-30 07:38:00)

Where is Bobby Ryan!?!?! He is tied for second in rookie scoring with 25 points but 10 less games than Burgland, 13 less than Versteeg, and 17 less than Wheeler! What gives? They all deserve it but Ryan should be there too.