{allcanada} NHL All-Stars relishing weekend in Nashville

 

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NASHVILLE — This city doesn't get its reputation as one of the best stops on the NHL circuit for nothing.

That's why it hard to find a player at All-Star weekend who doesn't want to be in the Music City, even if many of their peers are sitting on a beach or relaxing at home.

"I love this town," Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene said at media day at Bridgestone Arena. "I love going out, listening to music, having a couple beers.

"Once I'm done here, I'm going right to one of the establishments and enjoying myself. This is more of a vacation for me than some other guys."

Duchene has been playing guitar since he was 13 and jams all the time in the summer. He owns 11 guitars, including the electric Gibson guitar players received in their All-Star "swag" bags.

Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau considers Nashville "one of his favorite cities." He enjoys going to concerts with friends at home in New Jersey and counts country stars Kenny Chesney and Luke Bryan among his favorites.

But Gaudreau is most excited about being in the same city as one of his favorite shows, "Nashville," a series that depicts the lives of fictional country singers, and hopes he can watch their performance during the weekend.

"I'm all caught up (on the show)," Gaudreau said. "My whole family had a group text, saying how excited we are to go to Nashville and hopefully get to go to (Bluebird Cafe). I might take them Saturday; hopefully we have some time."

Between media commitments, the skills competition and game itself, the players have ample time to enjoy the attractions. San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski, a huge country fan, can't wait to check out some of the music lineups in town. "There's good energy where we've been," Pavelski said. He also enjoys Bryan and Chesney, particularly his older music.

But what else are players looking forward to most?

"I just heard someone mention karaoke," Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn said. "So I might try that out. You never know."

Benn said his go-to song is "Born in the U.S.A.," even if he wasn't born there. Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban said he'd sing Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues."

The general feeling is that most players are enjoying the laid-back nature of the weekend and city, spent with friends and family. The weekend is still relaxing, despite there still being hockey involved.

"I'm not any way locked in mentally, or performance-wise," Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo said. "This weekend is all about having a good time and enjoying it."

"It's great to have live bands, live music all day," said Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron, who will be joined by his wife and kids. "You don't see it anywhere else. It's special."

And if the city itself isn't attractive enough?

"Some guys are on the beach right now," Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop said. "But when you get a chance to be an All-Star, it's exciting.

"The beaches will always be there, but All-Star Games won't."

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