In its infinite wisdom, the NHL has decided to allow the fans to select the starting lineup for the All Star Game. This in itself is nothing new, and has been going on for years. However this year, the process is being conducted entirely on-line… As with any first version of software, there is a bug: Anyone can vote as many times as they want for the same (or a different) player. The result? Someone has decided to try and get a write-in nominee to make the starting lineup.

Steve Schmid has created the site VoteForRory.com in an effort to get a fans’ choice write-in candidate into the starting lineup of the All Star Game. After three weeks of voting, his efforts, and those of dedicated voters have managed to get Rory Fitzpatrick into 5th place.

Personally, I think this is a brilliant opportunity for the fans to have a more direct impact on the game. If Rory manages to garner enough support, perhaps the NHL will 1: fix the bug which allows people to vote all they want, and 2: allow the selection of the All Star Team to be performed by people more attuned to hockey than your average web monkey.

So go, visit the Vote For Rory website and do your part to change the face of Hockey.