KHL Player Turns Up Heat in All-Star Shootout Competition, Lights Stick on Fire

Professional athletes rely on their skills during the regular season, but when it comes to All-Star festivities, creativity is just as important as talent.

Whether it be in a dunk contest or skills challenge, it's up to the players to find a way to stand out. The best way to do so? Include fire.

Former NHL player Linus Omark kicked things up a notch at this year's KHL All-Star festivities by setting his stick on fire for a shootout attempt. Although his shot didn't find the back of the net, the showmanship won over everyone in the building. 

According to Sean Leahy of Puck Daddy, Omark won the shootout competition even though he missed both of his attempts. Because creativity like that deserves to be rewarded.

Last year, as noted by Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski, the Calgary Flames' Johnny Gaudreau wanted to light his stick on fire for the shootout competition at the 2015 NHL All-Star Skills Competition. His idea, however, was rejected.

Thanks to Omark, we finally got to see a flaming stick in action.

[KHL, h/t Puck Daddy]