Hedman named to Atlantic Division All-Star equipment staff

Victor Hedman will be taking part in All-Star weekend, albeit in a rather unexpected role.

The injured Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman was named the assistant to the equipment manager for Saturday's skills competition and for the Atlantic Division's entry in the All-Star tournament on Sunday.

He'll assist head equipment manager Ray Thill, who serves the same position with the Lightning.

Hedman was originally named to the Atlantic Division squad but got hurt against the Calgary Flames two days later, and was later ruled out for three-to-six weeks.

His father, Olle, was an equipment manager for Swedish club MoDo for 23 years.

The All-Star festivities are taking place in Tampa, Fla. this weekend.