Gordie Howell All-Star Game

Gordie Howe played in 23 NHL All-Star Games, making his final appearance in 1980 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

(AP File Photo)

DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings haven't hosted an NHL All-Star Game since 1980, less than two months after Joe Louis Arena opened for business.

But it might not be long before the NHL's midseason extravaganza returns to Detroit.

With a new building set to open in time for the 2017-18 season, the Red Wings are interested in bringing the All-Star Game back to town.

"Certainly we've talked about it internally," said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. "Certainly when we get into a new building, that's one of the things we're planning to apply for.

"I can't tell you right off the bat but certainly once the building is built, that's something we'd want to host."

Reggie Leach of the Philadelphia Flyers was named the MVP in the 1980 All-Star Game, when the Wales Conference beat the Campbell Conference 6-4.

The game marked Gordie Howe's 23rd and final appearances in an All-Star Game as well as the first for Wayne Gretzky.

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