OTTAWA -- Toronto captain
Dion Phaneuf said Friday that having the NHL All-Star Game in a Canadian city has added a new level of excitement for him.
"Look at the city, you can feel the buzz," Phaneuf said. "This is the first one in a Canadian city that I've been to, and it's an honor to be here. To take part in an All-Star Game in a Canadian city is a lot of fun. They're doing a great job of hosting this event."
Phaneuf was then asked a question pertaining to
Alex Ovechkin's absence from the event.
"He's entitled to make his choice," Phaneuf said. "I know I'm enjoying being here."
Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter at: @drosennhl