The Sabres will have two players participating in NHL All-Star Weekend this month in Ottawa, with captain Jason Pominville being named to the All-Star team and forward Luke Adam getting selected as an All-Star rookie.
The All-Star Game is Jan. 29 in Scotiabank Place, while the Skills Competition is Jan. 28. Pominville will participate in both. Adam will take part in the skills event.
"It’s a pretty cool opportunity,'' Pominville said this afternoon in First Niagara Center. "It should be a fun weekend. I’m obviously excited. I’ve been used to having a little bit of a break, but I guess this year will be a little different."
Pominville is tied for 10th in scoring with 43 points, including 29 assists. Adam is tied for fourth among rookies with 10 goals and ranks eighth with 20 points.
"That’s pretty neat," Adam said of the selection. "To play in the NHL and then to be able to go and meet those guys and be in the skills competition, it’s a lot of fun. It’s an honor."
Thomas Vanek, who ranks 10th in goals (19) and tied for 18th in points (40), was not selected.
"It doesn’t matter," he said before the team was announced. "The people who know me, that’s not why I play the game. I’ll take the five days off."
The interviews with Pominville, Adam and coach Lindy Ruff -- whose team hosts Toronto on Friday night -- are below.
---John Vogl
Jason Pominville
Luke Adam
Lindy Ruff
