23rd NHL All-Star Game

The 23rd NHL All-Star Game was held in the St. Louis Arena in St. Louis (home of the St. Louis Blues) on January 20, 1970.

It was the first time the All-Star Game was held at the St. Louis Arena. The East Division All-Stars defeated the West Division All-Stars 4–1. Bobby Hull was named the game's most valuable player.

It was also the first NHL All-Star Game carried live on American network television, airing on the CBS network.

League Business
Clarence Campbell (president of the NHL) announced that the NHL was holding the Game in Boston in 1971, in Minnesota in 1972 and New York City in 1973.

Campbell also announced that the NHL would be expanding to Buffalo and Vancouver for next season.

Game Summary
It was the first time the game had been held outside of the Stanley Cup champion's home rink since the 1948 game in Chicago.

Bobby Clarke and Tony Esposito were the only two players making their first appearance in the Game. Clarke was substituting for Phil Goyette, who had a knee injury.

East Division All-Stars

 * Coach: Claude Ruel (Montreal Canadiens)

West Division All-Stars

 * Coach: Scotty Bowman (St. Louis Blues)