The NHL All-Star weekend in Toronto is in full swing. Here's what to know

NHL players returning to the Olympics Tony Ferrari of The Hockey News on factors that kept NHL players from the Olympics and the big moments that could happen from their return.

The 2024 National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star weekend has kicked off and it’s shaping up to be a busy one for hockey fans as festivities take over Toronto. From free events to road closures, here’s what to expect in the days ahead.

FRIDAY

In addition to the public skate, the Professional Women’s Hockey League had an open practice from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., showcasing players Renata Fast, Jocelyne Larocque, Sarah Nurse and Blayre Turnbull, among others.

From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Hockey 4 Youth took the ice. Hockey 4 Youth Foundation facilitates social inclusion for newcomer and sidelined youth of all genders in its free ice hockey and T.E.A.C.H. programs.

The NHL All-Stars Skills Competition kicked off at 7 p.m. at the Scotiabank Arena.

Connor McDavid, who has been named the NHL's most valuable player (MVP) three times in his career, took the $1 million top prize. He claimed first place in stick-handling and speed skating events before going on to win an accuracy shooting competition.

SATURDAY

From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., players from the Toronto Gay Hockey Association competed for the Pride Cup Trophy. The teams were coached by Brian Burke, who is the executive director of the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association (PWHLPA), and former NHL player and Stanley Cup champion Andrew Ference. Dre Barone officiated the game as the first openly gay male to do so.

The NHL Creator Skills event took place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., which included hockey Youtuber Nasher, Zach Bell, Pavel Barber, Coach Chippy, and other hockey content creators across North America. They competed in a three-on-three tournament and showcase trick shots and skills.

The NHL All-Stars game starts at 3 p.m. at the Scotiabank Arena. It features four teams, playing a 3-on-3 format which was adopted by the NHL over its traditional 2-team format. The captains picked their teams on Feb. 1.

SUNDAY

The 2024 Hyundai NHL Fan Fair will end the weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are required.

TTC AND ROAD CLOSURES

There will be no service on TTC Line 2 between Warden and Kennedy stations for track work on Saturday and Sunday. Shuttle buses will be running, and service is expected to resume at 6 a.m. Monday morning. In addition, numerous roads are closed this weekend as part of ongoing city closures. A full list of the closures can be found here.