Mason opts out of NHL YoungStars game
Blue Jackets goalie will rest sore back during all-star break
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 | 3:58 PM ET
CBC Sports
Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason has been playing through back spasms for two weeks. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press)Steve Mason will rest his ailing back this weekend instead of manning the rookie net Saturday against NHL sophomores in the YoungStars game as part of the SuperSkills competition at Montreal's Bell Centre (CBC, 7 p.m. ET).
Despite suffering from back spasms the past two weeks, Mason has started in all eight Columbus games this month, and 13 straight overall, before Tuesday's game at Edmonton.
"I am honoured that the NHL picked me to play in the YoungStars Game," Mason said in a statement. "And while I am disappointed that I won't be able to go, my top priority is my health and my team. I hope everyone will understand that."
In 28 games this season, the Oakville, Ont., native has amassed a 17-10-1 record, 1.91 goals-against average, .932 save percentage and six shutouts.
"After talking it over with our medical staff, everyone decided the best course of action would be that he use the all-star break to rest," Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson said in a news release.
The 20-year-old Mason has started 28 of 33 games since being recalled from Syracuse of the American Hockey League on Nov. 4.
