Kessel, the last choice

(Raleigh) Cam Ward was selected first, the Sedin twins have been separated, and Phil Kessel was the last player chosen.
That's basically what we must remember this special and historic repechage match of the Stars, presented last night at the Convention Center in Raleigh.
History, therefore, because for the first time two players and captains chose their own team. These men - Nicklas Lidstrom of Detroit, and Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes - have selected their two assistants with 21 players each, with three guards per shift.
Chosen by the team of Staal, Cam Ward started first ("They took the best player available," joked the Hurricanes goalie), and late evening, we finally know the identity of the last skater chosen. It striker Phil Kessel, the Maple Leafs, who received this honor.
As a "reward", but Kessel got a car! "Honestly, I'm not worried too much about it," he commented. I'm having fun and just being here is an honor. So no, it does not really bother me. "
The evening was also held under the sign of humor, with several players who have pushed a few jokes at the microphone, or who pretended to be disappointed by their rank selection. Carey Price, the sole representative of the Canadian All-Star Game, was the penultimate choice goalkeeper. In all, he was the 19th selection of this special Draft, selected by the team of Eric Staal.
"I was getting a little afraid of being the last choice keeper! admitted Price. It was getting late for me. But I think this new concept is fine, he should do that again. "
The latter was chosen goalkeeper Jonas Hiller, who was selected right after Carey Price's team Lidstrom.
The brothers Sedin, Vancouver Canucks, were finally separated, Henrik will skate in the band Lidstrom and Daniel will join the training Staal.
The event was presented before a noisy crowd in Raleigh ... although the crowd did not seem to know too the majority of players present. The latter, at least, have enjoyed their evening. "It's great, the atmosphere is good and I think this new concept adds to the festivities of the weekend," said forward Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks. I think all the guys liked it. "
Initially, everything seemed to suggest that the composition of the teams had been made in advance after all, the jerseys of the players were ready when the captains pronounced their names.
But PK Subban, who will participate in skills competition tonight, revealed a little secret. "There were two sweaters which were prepared for each player ... but I think the guys did not think too much of the team that would choose them. Everybody is just happy to be here. All that matters is to be here for the event. All that matters is to be a star. "
STALL TEAM
Captain: Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes (A)
Assistant: Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks (A)
Assistant: Mike Green, Washington Capitals (D)
1 Cam Ward Carolina Hurricanes (G)
2 Alexander Ovechkin Washington Capitals (A)
3 Daniel Sedin Vancouver Canucks (A)
4 Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara (D)
5 Rick Nash Columbus Blue Jackets (A)
6 Henrik Lundqvist New York Rangers (G)
7 Marc Staal Rangers New York (D)
8 Patrick Sharp Chicago Blackhawks (A)
9 Dan Boyle San Jose Sharks (D)
10 Canadiens Carey Price (G)
11 Jeff Skinner Carolina Hurricanes (A)
12 Kristopher Letang Pittsburgh Penguins (D)
13 Claude Giroux Philadelphia Flyers (A)
14 Erik Karlsson Ottawa Senators (D)
15 Corey Perry Anaheim Ducks (A)
16 Patrik Elias New Jersey Devils (A)
17 David Backes of the St. Louis Blues (A)
18 Paul Stastny Colorado Avalanche (A)
TEAM Lidstrom
Captain: Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Redwings (D)
Assistant: Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay (A)
Assistant: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks (A)
1 Steven Stamkos Tampa Bay (A)
2 Chicago Blackhawks Duncan Keith (D)
3 Henrik Sedin Vancouver Canucks (A)
4 Nashville Predators Shea Weber (D)
5 Tim Thomas Boston Bruins (G)
6 Daniel Briere Philadelphia Flyers (A)
7 Atlanta Thrashers Dustin Byfuglien (D)
8 Jonathan Toews Chicago Blackhawks (A)
9 Marc-Andre Fleury Pittsburgh Penguins (G)
10 Jonas Hiller Anaheim Ducks (G)
11 Brad Richards Dallas Stars (A)
12 Phoenix Coyotes Keith Yandle (D)
13 Brent Burns Minnesota Wild (D)
Martin Havlat 14 Minnesota (A)
15 Anze Kopitar Los Angeles Kings (A)
16 Matt Duchene Colorado Avalanche (A)
17 Dallas Stars Loui Eriksson (A)
18 Phil Kessel Toronto Maple Leafs (A)