Turk Replaces Hasek At All-Star

The invitation came a little late, but St. Louis Blues goaltender Roman Turek is going to the All-Star Game.

The NHL added Turek, who is from the Czech Republic, to the roster for the World team Thursday after Dominik Hasek of the Buffalo Sabres had to pull out because of an injury. The game, which pits the World All-Stars against the North American All-Stars, is Sunday in Toronto.

"Roman deserves to go to the All-Star Game; he's had an outstanding season," said Blues defenseman Rico Persson. "I think he deserved it right away, but that's nothing he can control."

It will be the first All-Star appearance for Turek, who spent last season as the backup goalie in Dallas. The Blues acquired him in an offseason trade with the Stars.

Turek is 27-11-5 this season, and ranks first among No. 1 goalies with a 2.05 goals-against average.

After the initial snub last month, Turek had had said he wouldn't replace Hasek, who missed three months with a torn groin muscle and was voted in despite a 1-4-2 record and 2.88 GAA.

Despite the circumstances, Turek said making the All-Star team "is a very nice feeling for me. It's very good to play my first season as No. 1 goalie and make the All-Star team."

©2000 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed