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Philadelphia Flyers: Wayne Simmonds Named to 2017 N.H.L. All Star Game

By Larry Henry

Dec 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds (17) against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Oilers, 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds (17) against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Oilers, 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Tuesday, the National Hockey League announced the 40-man roster for the 2017 N.H.L. All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

The Philadelphia Flyers’ solo nominee was forward Wayne Simmonds, who is making his first appearance in the event. Simmonds, 28, has tallied 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points so far this season.

It is a great honor for Simmonds who leads the team in goals and is tied with Brayden Schenn for the team lead in power-play goals with eight. The “Wayne Train” returns back to L.A. where he started his N.H.L. career back in 2008 with the Los Angeles Kings. In three seasons in L.A., Simmonds tallied 93 points in 240 games. Simmonds was a third round pick in the 2007 N.H.L. Draft.

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Since arriving in Philly in 2011 as a part of the Mike Richards trade, Simmonds has tallied 20+ goals in four of his six seasons. His career best was 32 a season ago. He has easily been one of the Flyers more productive players in the 2016 calendar year, making a name for himself in the N.H.L.’s elite power forwards. Simmonds is a physical player that is never afraid to drop the gloves and duke it out with an opponent. Being known as a player with a strong work ethic, this is a deserved nomination for the Ontario native.

He will throw his body around for the good of the team, and always is seen fighting for position in front of goal looking for scraps. This season he has been able to score in a variety of ways, which has been a nice surprise to see.

A new format started at the All Star Game last season, which has made in a neat event to check out. The 40 man list named today voted by the N.H.L. will join the four captains voted in by fans earlier this month. A total of 44 players will take place in the festivities. Each division is represented by six forwards, three defensemen and two goalies. The divisional teams will compete head-to-head in the Skills Competition on Saturday and then will face off in semifinal games Sunday. The winners of the semifinal games will play for the championship. Each game is played in a 3-on-3 format with two 10-minute halves.

The 2017 Coors Light NHL All-Star Skills Competition is January 28th at the Staples Center, while the 2017 Honda NHL All-Star Game is January 29th.

Next: Philadelphia Flyers: Five Best Moments of 2016

Hats off to Wayne Simmonds on a great accomplishment, as he represents the Flyers for his hard work during the first half of the season. He is an underrated player and definitely a class act on and off the ice.

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