The Washington Capitals announced that center Niklas Backstrom, selected for the NHL's Youngstars game featuring the league's top rookies and second year players, will respectfully decline the invitation.
From the press release:
"I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the YoungStars Game last year. This year I felt like it made more sense for me to give someone else that opportunity and use this time to rest and prepare for the second half of the season with the Washington Capitals. I can assure Caps fans that I’m not injured and will be ready to go Tuesday in Boston."
Backstrom was not selected for the regular All-Star game, despite being the 14th overall leading scorer in the league, ninth in the conference, and fourth in the conference in assists.
most definitely a wise decision from Backstrom, from what I rememeber he wasn't too keen on going last year either.
He and Tobias Enstrom allegedly skipped morning practice because they went to a Wyclef Jean concert the night before, which I found hilarious.
Keep up the great work! I've added you to the blog roll at FEAR THE WEAGLE!
TJ, thanks!