Zemgus Girgensons, 5 Blackhawks named NHL All-Stars by fan vote

Five Chicago Blackhawks and a Latvian-born forward have been named as the first six NHL All-Stars.

Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons, backed by much enthusiasm in his home country, earned the most votes (1,574,896), and will join Blackhawks forwards Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook and goaltender Corey Crawford at NHL All-Star Weekend, Jan. 24-25 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

The fan vote ended on Jan. 1, with the top six vote-getters by position (three forwards, two defensemen and one goaltender) being named the first six all-stars.

The remaining participants will be selected by the league and will be announced on Jan. 10.