Tampa prepares for NHL All-Stars, Gasparilla on same weekend

As the 2016-17 National Hockey League season nears its conclusion, thoughts turned to next season and the NHL All-Star Game. Commissioner Gary Bettman was in town to join a press conference at Amalie Arena to talk about recent awarding of next year’s game to Tampa Bay. Bettman was the first to discuss the dates of All-Star Weekend, January 26-28, coinciding with Gasparilla activities. He was undaunted by any logistical challenges and the league was well aware of the Tampa tradition…