Sebastian Aho participates in Saturday’s NHL All-Star Game

By AIDAN JENSEN

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This past weekend saw the NHL’s best players face off against each other, with Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena hosting NHL All-Star Weekend from Feb. 1-3.

Fans of teams from across the league also flocked to the Great White North, participating in fun activities during the NHL Fair Fair on Thursday. Those same fans then stuck around for Friday and Saturday, watching the Skills Competition and All-Star games.

If any Carolina Hurricanes fans went up to All-Star Weekend, there’s a good chance they saw Sebastian Aho, the Canes’ lone representative.

Aho was part of Team MacKinnon, captained by Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon. Aho was selected as part of the NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft, which was brought back this year after rosters were determined by Fan Vote in years’ past.

Unlike the NBA All-Star Game, which features just one game of 5-on-5, the NHL All-Star game features a 3-on-3 tournament format. Two teams play against each other in the semifinal games, with the winners meeting in the “Championship.”

Aho’s Team MacKinnon faced off against Connor McDavid’s Team McDavid in one semifinal matchup. This was a tight contest throughout, as both teams went into overtime tied at three apiece, but it was team McDavid who prevailed behind Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak’s shootout winner.

Aho had a decent game, but never showed up on the scoreboard. He registered one shot on net and three missed shots, stole the puck once, won a faceoff and tied for a team-high eight shifts.

I’m sure Aho would’ve enjoyed All-Star weekend more if he scored, but just being there is an honor. He’s currently on pace to set career highs in goals, assists and overall points, as he currently leads the Canes (28-15-5) with 17 goals and 37 assists.

Aho and his Carolina teammates will resume regular-season play on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m., as they host the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Canucks.

Will Aho be able to continue his torrid pace in the second half?