John Scott Says Officials Did Not Want Him in All-Star Game

John Scott, a career enforcer in the NHL was voted surprisingly into the All-Star Game of the NHL by hockey fans. The career journeyman said he received a call from someone in the league office who attempted to convince him not to play in this Sunday’s showcase event.

Scott said that someone in the NHL office asked him, “Do you think it is something that your children will be proud of?”

The NHL veteran has two daughters and described the phone call on Thursday. He said the call strengthened his resolve of playing in the format of 3 on 3 with some of the world’s best hockey players.

He added that while he might not deserve to be on the All-Star team, he knows he deserves to be the judge of what his kids will and will not be proud of about him.

Messages that were left seeking a comment from NHL officials about the claims of Scott were not returned.

This essay from Scott is the latest twist in a story that put the league in a delicate and awkward situation. As with other professional sports leagues, the NHL uses the midseason All-Star Game as a way to showcase top players. Scott, by even his own admission is not amongst that group.

A player sparingly used has scored only five goals since he debuted in the NHL back in 2009. He was playing with the Arizona Coyotes when named to the All-Star team, but later was stunned when traded to Montreal, which immediately relegated him to Newfoundland their AHL affiliate.

Scott said he did not take part in a real fight in hockey until 23. He embraced the dropping of his gloves during his third season in the AHL when he found out he was good at fighting and he fired his teammates up.

In his time in the NHL, Scott has suited up for Minnesota, Chicago, Buffalo, San Jose, Arizona and the New York Rangers. Two seasons ago, he played his career high in games with 56, while last season he scored three goals for the Sharks, marking his career high.

He at first accepted he did not belong at the All-Star Game, as someone on the phone told him that is was not a game for him, but he also said he does not deserve to be treated the way the NHL has done. He insists it was not an accident he became an NHL player regardless of his skills.