In fact, Timonen said he was even hoping to politely decline the invitation from the NHL's hockey operations department to rest and heal up, but his only son - hockey-obsessed, 13-year-old Samuel - wouldn't let him.
"To be honest, that's the truth," Timonen said. "But talking to my family, and especially my son, he said, 'No. We are going.' So, I don't think I had any other option."
Timonen, 36, will be one of four Flyers to represent Philadelphia at the 59th annual All-Star weekend in Ottawa from Jan. 27-29. The others are forward Claude Giroux and rookies Matt Read and Sean Couturier, who are among 12 first-year players to participate in the Jan. 28 skills competition.
For Giroux, who has stalked the Art Ross Trophy race since October, yesterday's announcement was really more of a formality than anything else. Yet, on his 24th birthday, his biggest disappointment was that linemate Scott Hartnell wouldn't be joining him.
Hartnell, 29, has never been an All-Star but entered the day 12th in the league in goals (18) and 26th in points (19), posting numbers that are all on pace for career highs. He added a goal in last night's win over the Islanders.
"I think he deserves to be there," Giroux said. "I think it's frustrating to see that. He's been working so hard and he's been having one of the best seasons of his career."
Hartnell acknowledged his disappointment, saying there was an "outside chance" he could have been named. Hartnell still could be chosen to play as an injury replacement, which is something he would consider, even if it's akin to winning an Olympic bronze medal by disqualification.
For Hartnell, who spent last year's All-Star break in Costa Rica with then-teammates Mike Richards, Ville Leino and Jeff Carter, it would be an honor.
