Toronto Maple Leafs making pitch for 2012 or 2013 all-star weekends

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs are bidding for either the 2012 or 2013 NHL all-star festivities.

The club has also applied to host the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at Air Canada Centre as well as the 2012 NHL Winter Classic at BMO Field, home of MLS soccer club Toronto FC.

Toronto last hosted the NHL all-star game in 2000 at Air Canada Centre.

"We've developed a very strong proposal that reflects making this NHL weekend event into the ultimate sports experience..." Bob Hunter, executive vice-president of venues and entertainment for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, said in a statement.

The NHL is expected to announce the host cities for the 2012 and 2013 all-star games sometime this spring.