PAUL BUCZKOWSKI       Bio       Setting Goals       Respect       Back to School       Professionalism       Those in the know       Turn It Positive       Finding a Job       Eye Protection       Playing Injured       Gearing Up       WCHL vs. CHL       Europe v. N.A.       Specific Training       Training Camps       Road to Success       Dedication       Life in the WHL SANDY LAMARRE       Bio       Season to Forget       College vs. Junior       Sportsmanship       Game Prep       Conditioning FORBES MACPHERSON       Making the Jump BRIAN PATAFIE       Bio       Stretching       ICE PATRICK POWERS       Is Hockey Just a Sport? ANDREW ZOPPO       Be Tenacious
	PlayYourGame.com is proud to welcome Paul Buczkowski as a feature writer. From the WHL to the NHL, Paul will bring insight to every aspect of the game, as a sport and as a career. WCHL vs CHL All Star Game 2001 By Paul Buczkowski February 16, 2001 I was chosen to participate in the 2000- 2001 All Star Game in beautiful San Diego, California, and it turned out to be quite an experience in itself. The game was not like that of any other All-Star game. It all started last season with the WCHL (West Coast Hockey League) and the CHL (Central Hockey League) playing off in an inter-league All-Star Game. The WCHL won last year's game 4-3 in a shootout. Unlike most All Star games, this score does not indicate a typically free-wheeling and offensive All-Star Game. The two leagues are similar in nature and talent level, but the only difference is in regards to the number of veterans - which the CHL limits. The WCHL can have as many as 13 vets per team while the CHL can have only four. Veteran status is based on the number of games played as a professional. In the CHL, it is 213 games, and in the WCHL, it is 250 games played. Back to the game....... Let's start off by saying that I was honored to be chosen by the CHL and the San Antonio Iguanas to represent the league in this year's All Star Game. Heading into the game, I was expecting to meet a lot of players, which I did. I was expecting the practices to be easy, and they were. I was expecting the game to be a non-hitting, talent showing, all offence type of game. I was dead wrong!!! After last year's game being so close, I think that it started a rivalry to the extent of it being "bragging rights" to which league is better. The first few shifts were that of a typical game with not one hit being thrown, but suddenly a monster hit was laid out at center ice and then the game started. The game was probably one of the fastest games I have ever played. There was back checkers, forecheckers, hard punishing hits, and verbal jousting. The game was intense and like that of a playoff game. I think with the outcome of last year's game, the CHL wanted to showcase their talent and get a victory at this year's game to even the series. On that night, the CHL prevailed 4-2 with the fourth goal being an empty net goal and the CHL outshooting the WCHL 44-24. It was a great experience, and I loved every part of the week: the players, the coaches, the media, the golf, and of course the fans. The fans were treated to a great game, and I hope that next year I am able to particiapate again and experience the rush of great hockey. That game is why most players play the game. Great competition!!! Here is my quote of the month: "It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit." - University of Alberta Golden Bears Paul Buczkowski 1 Year CHL 1 Year ECHL 3 Years Europe 6 Years WHL
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