On Saturday, the National Hockey League announced the players who, based on fan voting, would be the starters in the annual All-Star Game to be held in Montreal on January 25. Three Chicago Blackhawks were voted as starters.

Patrick Kane, last year's Rookie of the Year, was the leading recipient of votes as a forward in the Western Conference. Second year forward, and captain, Jonathan Toews will also start for the West.

Brian Campbell, the Hawks' big free agent acquisition from this past off season, will play in his third All-Star Game. The defenseman played in two during his tenure in Buffalo.

The news came a day after the NHL announced that Thursday's Winter Classic between the Hawks and Red Wings drew the highest ratings for a regular season hockey game since February 3, 1996.

The elections continues the rapid ascent of the Blackhawks from the depths of professional sports to being one of the hottest franchises in America. The trio of Hawks are the first Blackhawks to be voted starters in the All Star Game since Chris Chelios in 1997.