An exhibition ice hockey game that is traditionally held at the midway point of the regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL), with many of the league's star players playing against each other. The starting lineup for the two teams, the Eastern Conference All-Stars and the Western Conference All-Stars, where the 'first team' or 'starting line', including the starting goaltender, is voted on by fans, while the remainder of the teams' rosters are chosen by the NHL's Hockey Operations Department in consultation with the teams' General Managers.
The first official All-Star Game was held during the 1947Ð48 NHL season. Since the inception of the NHL All-Star game, it has been an annual event, except in the following years;1966, game was moved from the start of the season to the middle of the season;1979, replaced by Challenge Cup series;1987, replaced by Rendez-vous 87;1995, season shortened by a lockout;2005 season cancelled due to lockout. Also, as part of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) the NHL will not hold an All-Star Game during Winter Olympic years.