The ball hockey scene in Raleigh has always had talent. Until 2021 no one assembled all of it in one game. The top 31 players selected (and organizers) for the first ever RSHL All Star Game waited anxiously as the final seconds of the A Division Championship game ticked away to start the festivities. As the ball dropped on the game the vibe shifted from anxious curiosity to joy.

The players were divided into two teams, with matching black and white jerseys, and played a full three period game. The game matched linemates against each other, scorers against their own goalies, and  rivals turned teammates. The game was competitive but allowed players to show off skill. Players from each division had a chance to size each other up and most left the game impressed.

The game featured a hat trick, a shutout period, but only 36 total shots on goal. Equal parts All Star Game and Playoff game with bragging rights on the line. Players gelled quickly and the laughs and cheers came easily, more surprising was the backchecking which came even faster.

Future all star games will look to replicate the feeling of this game. Look for more details next season!