Hertl Loses All-Star Championship Game, But It’s All About Family This Weekend

Is Tomas Hertl still son Tobias Hertl’s favorite player?

Hertl was asked on All-Star Media Day if he’s still No. 1 for his three-year-old.

“I think it’s still me because he’s still young,” the San Jose Sharks’ lone All-Star said on Thursday. “I think he will mostly follow 48.”

But perhaps Tobias’s allegiance was tested this weekend, after being around stars like Connor McDavid.

Hertl was on Team McDavid during the All-Star Game on Saturday. Team McDavid, Team MacKinnon, Team Matthews, and Team Hughes competed in a 3-on-3 round-robin tournament for a million dollars.

Hertl netted an assist in Team McDavid’s 4-3 shootout victory over Team MacKinnon in the opening round-robin game. However, Team Matthews topped Team McDavid 7-4 in the All-Star championship match-up. The San Jose Sharks center did grab a goal in that contest.

For Hertl, this All-Star weekend was all about family though. His first and last time as an All-Star in St. Louis in 2020, his oldest Tobias and infant Theo weren’t born yet. His parents Jaroslav and Miroslava weren’t able to attend.

They were all here for the San Jose Sharks alternate captain’s big moment in Toronto.

Hertl noted it was his parents’ first time in Canada.

“They put a lot into hockey,” he said. “So it’s nice to give them something back.”

Meanwhile, Tobias was soaking it all in.

“Yesterday, I skated with him. I had him in the locker room for the Skills. He was running around when there was a scrimmage on the ice. That’s probably the best memories I will have,” Hertl said.

So is Hertl still his son’s favorite? Or did an up-close look at McDavid’s wizardry change things?

“I think I am because he doesn’t understand. But if I were him, I would be his fan too,” Hertl joked.

So while Hertl missed out on his share of a million bucks, the memories he made with his family were priceless.

“We definitely will remember this All-Star Game.”

Hertl says this is first time meeting Justin Bieber. They didn't, however, talk about Hertl's Bieber mask from the 2020 All-Star Game

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 3, 2024