The NHL All Star Game is indeed a glorified exhibition. But there’s certainly been some memorable moments when the games biggest stars take center stage.

The list of hockey greats that have played in the game is endless: Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, Patrick Roy, Gordie Howe, Maurice Richard and countless others. Today, names like the Penguins dynamic duo of Sidney Crosby and Evegeni Malkin as well as Alex Ovehckin, Patrice Bergeron, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and yes even leading vote getter Zemgus Girgensons will display their skills this weekend in Columbus.

Before this year’s stars take the ice in the mid-season exhibition, let’s look at the top 10 NHL All Star Game moments.

10. The first game of the All Star Fantasy Draft era

The NHL All Star Game as we know it today held its first fantasy draft during the 2011 version in Raleigh.

The festivities started with the draft and former Bruin Phil Kessel being selected last.

It ended with Team Lidstrom holding off a last second surge from Team Staal for an 11-10 victory.

Our friends at Blackhawks Daily submitted their own Fantasy Draft. Check it out here

9. Mike Richter’s prelude in ’94

In a game driven by offense, former Ranger Mike Richter denied the game’s best. Coming into the net for the Eastern Conference during the second period, Richter stopped 19 of 21 shots en route to MVP honors.

His best save, however, came in the second period when he robbed Pavel Bure. That was a sign of things to come for Bure and Richter in the Stanley Cup Final months later when the former Rangers goalie robbed the ex Canuck great on a penalty shot in Game 4.

8. The Heat is on

Before Dany Heatley faded into oblivion, his career path was taking off by the time he suited up during the All Star Game. The former 50-goal scorer notched five points (four goals, one assist) and saved another moment for the shootout.

7. Super Mario sets records at The Igloo

Mario Lemieux dazzled Penguins fans for many years with his finesse and goal scoring touch. Prior to his back to back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992, his four goal outburst in the 1988 version of the game in Pittsburgh was a beautiful thing to watch.

6. Owen Nolan calls his shot

In front of his hometown fans, the former San Jose Shark scored a hat trick during the 1997 All Star Game. He started by scoring his first two goals just eight seconds apart. His last goal, however, was the real highlight when he channeled his inner Babe Ruth and called his shot on a breakaway and beat Dominik Hasek glove side.

5. Wayne Gretzky named All Star Game MVP in final appearance

From the beginning to the end of his career, Wayne Gretzky simply provided some entertaining moments. In his last All Star game appearance, “The Great One” went out with a bang, scoring twice and assisting on two others en route to MVP honors. Indeed a great moment to kick off the second half of the list.

4. The first NHL All Star Game – a tribute to Ace Bailey

This excerpt was from a Throwback Thursday piece I did in November on the top feel good hockey moments of all time. Click here to view the rest of the article:

The inspiration of the first NHL All Star Game came in February of 1934 after Ace Bailey suffered a career-ending injury from Eddie Shore’s hit from behind.

Two months after the tragic accident, the NHL held a benefit game for Bailey. The night was highlighted by Bailey’s number being lifted up the rafters in a retirement ceremony – the first to be retired by any team in league history. But the headlines were made prior to that when Bailey forgave Shore and shook his hand while giving him his All Star jersey.

3. Gordie Howe’s last hurrah

The decorated “Mr. Hockey” earns the second spot in the countdown in his 23rd and final All Star Game appearance as he represented his hometown team. In a game that also featured a rookie Wayne Gretzky, Howe tallied an assist to send the native Detroit fans home happy:

2. Ray Bourque the hero in ’96

From one hometown hero to another, we turn our attention to Ray Bourque at the No. 2 spot. His game-winner in the 1996 All Star Game at the TD Garden (formerly known as the Fleet Center) provided the first big moment in the history of the Causeway Street venue.

1. An emotional anthem and a new tradition in Chicago

The Blackhawks tradition of their fans cheering during the National Anthem started in 1985, but there’s no denying that the cheers drowning the national anthem in Chicago Stadium were emotional and heartfelt during the 1991 NHL All Star Game.

Just days beforehand, the US sent their soldiers to fight in the Gulf War. What followed in the days ahead in “The Windy City” is something that will be remembered forever.