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Sunday, February 11, 2001
A wide-eyed rookie again
By Ed Jovanovski
Special to ESPN.com
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Vancouver Canucks defenseman Ed Jovanovski agreed to share his first All-Star experience with ESPN.com. Jovanovski, 24, was named to the North American squad as a replacement for St. Louis' Chris Pronger. Jovanovski is fifth on the Canucks in scoring with 8-22-30 in 50 games.
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Saturday morning
I was excited to be asked to play this weekend. It's every kid's dream to play in the National Hockey League, but coming to these things is a privilege and an honor. I'm ecstatic about the whole thing and I'm really looking forward to it.
When I was a kid growing up, I looked up to Wayne Gretzky. Once I was more familiar with the sport – I grew up playing soccer – it was Ray Bourque, Brian Leetch, Scott Stevens. Half of the guys I looked up to are in that room, so I'm really excited; it's a big weekend for me.
If you ask any player, after growing up watching these guys, being here is a great honor. I've been feeling like a little kid in a candy store.
I'm not as nervous now as I think I'm going to be. I play against these guys all the time, but now it s a different atmosphere. There are guys who have done great things in this league for so long and they are all in one room. It's pretty special. I haven't found myself saying too much.
I just shook hands with Mario (Lemieux). He's a pretty tall guy. I played against him when I was in Florida in the Eastern Conference finals in '96. It was great honor to have him on the ice. When he went into retirement, it was sad for hockey. Doing the things that he is doing now that he's back, I don't think any players in the league are surprised. He hasn't lost his touch. I'm looking forward to playing with him, jumping into the play and passing off to him. But I've got to remember, I've got a job to do, too.
It's a pretty relaxed atmosphere and everyone will treat the game like that. Everyone is here for a reason -- because they've done something good. This is the time to go out there and showcase your talent and have fun.
Denver is a great city. We've built up a pretty good rivalry with Colorado this season. I don't know what kind of reaction I'm going to get when I'm introduced. I don't think I'm a fan favorite here. But fans recognize when you play during the regular season, it's for points and to improve your team in the standings. Overall the hospitality has been great and the players have appreciated it.
The skills competition is tonight. I don't know what I'm doing yet. I hope nothing that involves too much speed or accuracy.
We've got the afternoon off. I brought a video camera. My wife couldn't make it, so she wants me to tape everything. Being a first-year guy, I'm kind of embarrassed, so I've got someone doing it for me.
Detailed information on Jovanovski and the rest of the Canucks can be found at www.canucks.com.
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ALSO SEE
2001 NHL All-Star Game coverage
Jovanovski replaces injured Pronger on North America squad
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