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All-Star Weekend Was A Blast

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 1, 2009

Lightning center and No. 1 overall draft pick Steven Stamkos is making the transition this season from junior star to NHL regular. Throughout the season, the 18-year-old from Markham, Ontario, will share his experiences with Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson to give readers an insight into a new way of life during his rookie journey.

I had an unbelievable time during All-Star weekend, almost too much fun. For me to represent the Lightning there and to play in the YoungStars game, and then the day before they asked me if I wanted to participate in the breakaway challenge during the skills competition - that one took me a while to answer because that's such a big stage and I didn't really know what to expect with the moves and stuff. But obviously I had a great time and that was really one of the highlights of the weekend was being able to participate with some of the best stick handlers in the game. I'd like to maybe have a little notice if they ask me the next time so I can work on some stuff.

To me, it was just really cool to meet all the guys I've grown up over the past couple of years watching and idolizing and getting the chance to meet them in person. You get to realize how nice and grounded these guys are and how fun they are to be around.

It was also nice to hang out with Drew Doughty and Luke Schenn because we're all pretty good friends and we were pretty much inseparable the whole weekend. At night we were always together. We were pretty tied down with a lot of events, but we would have dinner at night. I actually got to go out and being in Montreal take advantage of being 18 years old and being legal, so being able to go out with some of the guys and find out what Montreal is all about and being such a fun city to go out in. I even got to sleep in until about 11 a.m. Sunday, I think I might have even missed an NHL event, so there was a chance to find a little bit of rest while I was up there.

Just to experience the whole event, especially with it being in Montreal, was unbelievable. With the buzz around everything, walking outside you had to lift up your collar hoping not to be noticed. I can't imagine what it was like for Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis. It was definitely a great time and it's probably the highlight of the year so far.

While having the four days off would have been nice, I would rather participate in an event like this, it's so much fun hanging out with all the guys. While it wasn't much of an All-Star break, it was a great event and anytime they ask me, hopefully again in the future, I will jump right on it.

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