Off-Colour Commentary?

Just like the players on the ice, David Simms and Brett Clouthier will be putting rivalries aside in the EIHL All Star game.

In Thursday’s star-studded event at the Coventry Skydome, which will be televised this weekend on Sky Sports Xtra, Manchester Phoenix enforcer Clouthier will trade verbal jabs with play-by-play man Simms in a comedy double act.

Brent Pope, who commentated on the World Junior Championships for Eurosport, and presenter Nick Rothwell will also be on hand to cover the action.

Fans can expect to hear plenty of funny remarks from Clouthier, who has been impressive on Sky Sports TV with his quick wit.

“I have to say that Brett Clouthier has been one of the more humorous colour commentators that we’ve had,” Simms told skysports.com.

“And that’s because he’s six-foot-five and tough enough to get away with it.”

Clouthier wasn’t selected to the game, but his wish to do commentary was granted and he’ll be one of several Phoenix players at the event.

His team-mates Kenton Smith, Adam Walker and David Beauregard will line-up for the North, but Manchester’s player-coach Tony Hand was forced to pull out due to a hectic schedule.

Other All Star selections include Team GB playmaker Greg Chambers, Newcastle’s standout goaltender Andrew Verner and Sheffield defenceman Rod Sarich.

“I’ll be surprised if we don’t see at least 15 goals,” Simms said.

“There should be some unbelievable skills on show because there is some serious talent on both rosters. It won’t be an intense battle, but that’s not what All Star games are about – they’re about skill.”

You can catch the game on Sky Sports TV at the following times:

Fri 20th, 7pm, Sky Sports Xtra

Sat, 21st, 2am, Sky Sports Xtra

Sat, 21st, 6am, Sky Sports Xtra

Thompson: Tough Call

It wasn't easy picking the All Star teams.

If Paul Thompson just had to pick the best players it would probably have been more straightforward, but since he had to fit in 4 players from each team there was always going to be someone left out in the cold.

Thompson had to perform a balancing act to fill the roster spots, and in an interview with skysports.com, he revealed that the competition for places was so great that he could have picked an entirely different team.

“I could have picked a team of different guys and I suppose Dave Matsos could have done the same,” Thompson said.

“It’s tough picking two imports and two imports from each team because there maybe better players, but you’re trying to pick so many defencemen so many forwards.”

The notable absentees from Thompson's squad include Sylvain Deschatelets (23+44, fourth overall in scoring), Dan Tessier (17+44, ninth overall in scoring) and Mike Prpich (24+21, leads Cardiff in points).

Still, it's difficult to argue that any of the imports in their place don't deserve to be there.

Thompson picked from five teams representing the South – Coventry, Cardiff, Hull, Basingstoke and Nottingham – and tried to base his decisions not just on points, but on players’ all round contributions.

“Take a guy like Bruce Richardson from Nottingham (who’s been selected),” Thompson added.

“He’s a guy who I think has been their heartbeat, but he may not be their best player. You try and pick guys who have performed steadily throughout the season for their team and not just in the scoring department."