(photo: Jack Lima Photography)
The National Hockey League announced today that San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski and defenseman Brent Burns have been named All-Stars for the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game, which will be held in Nashville, TN, on Jan. 31. The game will take place at 2 pm. PST and be broadcast in the United States on NBC Sports Network.
Burns, 30, currently ranks first in goals (16), 13th in assists (18) and third in points (34) amongst defenseman. More so, his 17 power-play points ranks first among NHL blueliners. Amongst all skaters, Burns 163 shots on goal ranks third. Burns leads the Sharks in time on ice, skating an average of 26:18 per game.
Burns has recorded 382 points (130 goals, 252 assists) and 504 penalty minutes in 752 career NHL games with Minnesota and San Jose. This is his third career All-Star Game appearance (2011 & 2014), and his second as a member of the Sharks.
In addition to his on-ice accomplishments, Burns was named the winner of the NHL’s Foundation Player Award for outstanding charitable and community work. “Burnzie” works tirelessly to make an impact in the Bay Area and North American communities, supporting organizations such as the Sharks Foundation and Defending The Blueline. For his work in the community, Burns was named as a 2014 King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominee, which is awarded annually “to the player in the League that best exemplifies leadership qualities both on-and off-the-ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”
< div>The 6-foot-5, 230-pound native of Barrie, Ontario, was originally drafted by Minnesota in the first round (20th overall) of the 2003 NHL Draft.
The 31-year-old Pavelski ranks sixth in the league in goals (20), is tied for ninth in points (38) and is tied for fourth in power-play points (16). Moreover, he ranks first in game-winning goals with seven on the season. Pavelski leads all Sharks players in goals, points and power-play goals.
Pavelski has scored 248 goals and 275 assists in 680 games, all for San Jose. “Pavs” ranks second in goals, third in assists and third in points (523) in Sharks franchise history. This is his first career All-Star Game appearance.
Pavelski was named team captain for the 2015-16 season after winning both the “Sharks Player of the Year Award” and “Sharks Foundation Fan Favorite Award” the two seasons prior. For four consecutive seasons (2012-15), Pavelski has appeared in all 82 regular season games.
Internationally, Pavelski has represented team USA in the Olympics (2010-silver medal, 2014) and World Championships (2009).
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound native of Plover, Wisconsin, was originally drafted by the Sharks in the seventh round (205th overall) of the 2003 NHL Draft.
