National Hockey League

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE All-Star teams primarily play offense in their annual showcase. But with the Winter Olympics looming, defense played a decisive role in the 2002 contest.

Since 1998, these elite hockey squads have been divided by birthplace. Players born in the United States and Canada form the North American team, and those from other countries comprise the World team. In four contests, the World team had only collected a single victory.

After two periods in the 2002 game, the North American squad led 5–3. Mario Lemieux tied Wayne Gretzky’s record with his 13th All-Star goal in the second period, while Eric Daze of the Chicago Blackhawks netted two goals and added an assist.

But in the third period, World coach Scotty Bowman inserted an all-Russian lineup to push for the win. Sergei Fedorov tied the game with three minutes left to play in regulation, and Markus Naslund slapped the puck into the net for the go-ahead goal a minute later. Tampa Bay’s goalie, Nikolai Khabibulin, aided the World team comeback by stopping 20 American and Canadian third-period shots on goal.

In the final seconds, the North Americans pulled their goalie in a desperate attempt to tie. But the World team twice guided the puck into an unguarded net to cement an 8–5 triumph.

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POINT All-Star games in any sport carry the reputation of lots of fun and very little work. After all, the players don’t regularly practice or play together. Fans pay to see stars score, not to watch low-scoring contests.

But those at the 2002 hockey game saw players work hard for victory. The Russians demonstrated defensive strength and determination en route to their win for the World team.

Working hard and being strong both physically and mentally often yields success in the rink, on the field, or on the court. Working hard at following God and being strong in faith brings success in the Christian life too.

GOAL! Make a list of five things you believe are worth working for in sports, in your family, or in life.