Of Heroes and Heels: The Unlikely Triumph of John Scott

By Marc Deschamps 

from getty images

Vince McMahon couldn't have constructed this kind of narrative. The chairman of the WWE has come up with some crazy storylines, with himself as the frequent heel, but Gary Bettman just might have topped him when it came to the 2016 NHL All-Star Game. The difference is, Bettman lucked into it. 

Just a few short weeks ago, John Scott was considered one of the most unremarkable players in the National Hockey League. It's the main reason why many fans voted him in as captain of the Pacific Division in the 2016 NHL All-Star Game. The NHL was unamused by the fan campaign, however. Considering Scott unworthy of the honor, the league asked him to refuse the position. When he didn't, Scott found himself traded from the Arizona Coyotes to the Montreal Canadiens, seemingly making him ineligible for the game. After Scott received an outpouring of support, the NHL relented. Little did they know that in doing so, they would give the 2016 All-Star Game the kind of storyline sports fans dream of. 

For a guy that wasn't supposed to be in the All-Star game, John Scott sure looked like one of the league's best on Sunday. Scott's two goals helped lead the Pacific Division to victory, earning himself the game's MVP. Last week, Scott expressed concerns about playing with some of the game's most talented players, but he never once showed it during the game. Instead, he just looked happy to be there. He didn't stop smiling the entire evening. 

Scott had significant reason to be so happy. Fans cheered him every time he took the ice. Cameras gravitated to his wife and daughters in the stands. His teammates raved about him every time a microphone came near them. Even his opponents seemed happy to have him at the game, as evidenced by a playful brawl between Scott and Patrick Kane. After a few light fisticuffs were exchanged, both players skated away laughing. For the first time in ages, the All-Star Game looked like fun. 

It's easy to see why so many people ended up in John Scott's corner. He represented the little guy. His tale ended up being the kind of real-life sports story that comes around so infrequently. Scott's storyline gave the All-Star Game a true underdog fans could root for. His presence made it a compelling affair, and that's something that can rarely be said for this type of game. 

The irony, of course, is that it came so close to not happening. The NHL was clearly concerned that Scott's involvement would detract from the experience. NHL commentators such as Jeremy Roenick and Mike Milbury had spent years belittling John Scott as little more than a goon (a word Scott himself loathes). The NHL was so worried that the day would be ruined by that "goon," they never stopped to consider that "John Scott: the father" or "John Scott: the everyman" could make the All-Star game so much more entertaining. Certainly no one considered "John Scott: the goal-scorer" would be on display. 

Throughout this storyline, Gary Bettman might have seemed like the kind of heel that Vince McMahon often plays, but the difference here is that the NHL's actions had very real repercussions. John Scott still ended up traded; he'll play his first game with the St. John's IceCaps in the AHL later this week. He and his pregnant wife and their two daughters were forced to relocate because of this game. Meanwhile, Bettman's contract as commissioner of the NHL was allegedly extended by the league on Sunday through 2022. And despite the egg on their faces, the NHL scored a major victory. John Scott's story brought more attention to the 2016 NHL All-Star Game than anything else could have. 

Still, Scott has reason to keep smiling. Even if he never plays another game in the NHL, his career will end on a high note. He'll probably end up with a book deal; maybe even a movie. Twenty years from now, this will be a game that people still talk about. Rookies like Dylan Larkin and veterans like Jaromir Jagr may have shined, but they won't be the ones remembered for the 2016 NHL All-Star Game. It'll be John Scott: the father, John Scott: the goal-scorer, and even better, John Scott: the All-Star MVP.