The KHL still makes its All-Star weekend pretty fun.
Former Nailers defenseman Mathew Maione stole the show during Saturday's skills competition, showing off his talents of a different variety:
HE DID IT! @mmaione18!! So proud. pic.twitter.com/n7YOkNjLTC
— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) January 19, 2019
Maione's performance quickly went viral, catching the eyes of some national reporters back in Maione's home country:
The NHL All Star needs to up its game. @mmaione18 raises the entertainment bar here. @A_Kalnins https://t.co/MsxZM2pLLu
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 19, 2019
Maione, 28, was an integral part of the Nailers' run to the 2016 Kelly Cup Final. After being acquired in a trade in December, he led all Nailers defensemen in scoring with seven goals and 37 assists in 53 games. Maione finished tied for second in team scoring for the postseason run, with six goals and 17 assists in 26 games.
[caption id="attachment_763982" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Mathew Maione in Wheeling. -- ZACK RAWSON / WHEELING NAILERS[/caption]
Maione's fellow '16 Nailers came together to support their former teammate on Saturday:
Guys a Rockstar ! One of the best in the business ! #cabin11 #nails #thespa @mmaione18 https://t.co/AJDxSTAHxu
— riley brace (@RBrace25) January 19, 2019
Thank god i don’t have a girlfriend. Couldn’t imagine having her leave me for @mmaione18. Keep rockin’ the world, roomie! 🕺🏻🚀 https://t.co/GVkSCXvrYI
— Brett Stern (@B_Stern27) January 19, 2019
Hide your girl when @mmaione18 is around https://t.co/Am2HvKAtMP
— Dan O'Donoghue (@dodono18) January 19, 2019
Maione remains pretty good at his job, too. He has 10 goals and 27 assists in 46 games this season with Dinamo Riga.
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