NHL All-Star Game 2011: The Top 10 Events That Occurred at the RBC Center

The 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend in Raleigh, NC, was an outstanding event. The RBC Center was the home of the NHL All-Star game and skills challenge, and the arena and staff definitely delivered! Downtown Raleigh provided great entertainment for NHL fans from all ages and gave fans opportunities to get up close with their favorite players.

Over the course of the weekend, several top plays and events occurred. The following is a list of the top 10 events that occurred at the RBC Center and over the NHL All-Star Weekend as well! 

10. Eric Staal Puts On a Show In Front of His Home Crowd All Weekend

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 30: (EDITORS NOTE: A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Eric Staal #12 of the Carolina Hurricanes for Team Staal poses for a portrait before the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Raleig

Eric Staal is already considered one of the best players in the NHL today, and he's still a very young player. Over the course of the NHL All-Star Weekend, he proved that he has turned into an even more mature and outstanding player, putting on a show in front of his Carolina Hurricane's fan base.

Whether it was choosing teams in the NHL Fantasy Draft or participating in the events of the NHL Skills Challenge, Staal was the crowd-favorite and drew the loudest ovations from the crowd.  

9. The RBC Center and Raleigh, NC, Put on a Fantastic Weekend for NHL Fans

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 30: Team Staal player Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets takes a shot on Jonas Hiller #1 of the Anaheim Ducks and Team Lidstrom during the second period of the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Rale

The RBC Center is known for its loud and loyal Carolina Hurricanes fans. Much to the satisfaction of North Carolina residents, and for the first time since its construction, the RBC Center was home to the NHL All-Star Game and skills challenge.

Talking with many fans during and after both of the events, it was clear to me that the Raleigh community did a great job of providing good fun and entertainment for NHL fans of all ages from around the globe. 

8. Team Staal Dominates the NHL Skills Challenge, Beats Team Lidstrom 31-21

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 30: Alexander Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals and Mike Green #52 of Washington Capitals for Team Staal talk before the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. C

From the very start of the NHL Skills Challenge to the end, Team Staal dominated almost every competition of the night. From Zdeno Chara's record breaking shot to Alexander Ovechkin winning the Breakaway Challenge, Team Staal was focused and prepared to come out on top. 

Team Lidstrom did perform well in the Skills Challenge Relay, recording the first and third fastest times. However, other than doing well in that competition, they were overmatched all night. 

7. P.K. Subban Wears Jeff Skinner's Jersey In The Breakaway Challenge

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 29: P.K. Subban #76 of the Montreal Canadiens wears a Skinner jersey in the breakaway challenge during the Honda NHL SuperSkills competition part of 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend at the RBC Center on January 29, 2011 in Raleigh, North C

Alexander Ovechkin put on quite a show in the Breakaway Challenge, but it was his competitor, P.K. Subban, that was the crowd favorite to win after wearing Hurricane's rookie Jeff Skinner's jersey while finishing a close second to the Washington Capital's big man.

Although Subban failed to win, he drew loud ovations from the RBC Center crowd for his gesture.  

6. The Inaugural NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft Is a Major Hit With The Fans

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 29: (L-R) Henrik Lundqvist #30 of New York Rangers, Henrik Sedin #33 of the Vancouver Canucks, Loui Eriksson #21 of the Dallas Stars, Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings, Daniel Sedin #22 of the Vancouver Canucks, Oliver Ek

For the first time at the NHL All-Star Weekend, two captains had the opportunity to choose their individual teams that would compete against each other in the All-Star game. Eric Staal and Nicklas Lidstrom were each named team captains, and fellow Hurricane's player Cam Ward was taken Number 1 overall by Staal.

The fans loved the change, and it looks as though the same draft may be implemented again next ye

5. Jeff Skinner, Or Should I Say Skinner Fever, Takes Raleigh By Storm

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 29: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes warms up prior to the Honda NHL SuperSkills competition part of 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend at the RBC Center on January 29, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Gett

Jeff Skinner, a rookie for the Carolina Hurricanes this season, made his name known during the NHL All-Star Weekend. Many citizens, and mostly young girls, of the Raleigh area have fallen in love with the young player over the season, but becoming an All-Star in only his first season has boosted his popularity.

Move over Justin Bieber, there's a new guy in town!

4. Alexander Ovechkin Repeats As The Breakaway Challenge Winner

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 30: Team Staal player Alexander Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals reacts against Team Lidstrom in the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

After winning the Breakaway Challenge last year at the NHL All-Star Weekend, many believed that Alexander Ovechkin would once again repeat again this season. To the delight of the fans at the RBC Center, that belief became a reality.

After putting on a dazzling display of moves and tricks, Ovechkin repeated as the champion and became one of the fan favorites over the course of the event. 

3. Daniel Sedin Goes 8-9 In The Accuracy Shooting Challenge

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 29: Daniel Sedin #22 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates as he wins the accuracy shooting section during the Honda NHL SuperSkills competition part of 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend at the RBC Center on January 29, 2011 in Raleigh, North

Daniel Sedin had a fantastic night shooting the puck, which includes making 8 out of the 9 shots he attempted in the Accuracy Shooting Challenge.

The RBC Center crowd was buzzing from the start of the challenge, and after completing his first round in the competition perfect (4-4), he followed his performance with another near-perfect round (4-5). 

2. Cam Ward Defeats Fellow Goalie Tim Thomas In The Fastest Skater Competition

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 30: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes for Team Staal warms up before the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

In the first match-up between two goalies in the Fastest Skater Competition, hometown Hurricane's goalie Cam Ward defeated Boston Bruin's goalie Tim Thomas, to the delight of the crowd. Ward led throughout, but Thomas made a charge at the end that nearly gave him the win.

Regardless, Ward took home the win while loud ovations from the crowd filled the arena.   

1. Zdeno Chara Sets Record For The Hardest Shot In NHL History (105.9 Mph)

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 29: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins shoots on Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins during the elimination shootout part of the Honda NHL SuperSkills competition part of 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend at the RBC Center on January 29,

The top moment of the NHL All-Star Weekend has to belong to Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins, who beat his own record for hardest hit shot from last season in the same challenge (105.4 mph).

His shot, with a speed of 105.9 mph, brought the crowd of the RBC Center to their feet, finishing the NHL Skills Challenge off in style.