The All-Star break has officially arrived.

Many players around the league are en route to island destinations or somewhere other than an ice rink for the next four days for some much needed rest and relaxation.

But for those players "lucky" enough to participate in the All-Star festivities in Nashville, Tennessee, this weekend, it should be an interesting few days of skills and 3-on-3 competitions.

Second-year Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz spent 15 seasons as head coach of the Nashville Predators and he’s excited for the upcoming All-Star Game in Music City.

"I started there from ground zero when they started the franchise and to see it continue to grow into a really strong franchise [is gratifying]," said Trotz, who will be coaching the Metropolitan Division. "Honestly, the first couple of years you wondered if you were going to be able to make it. To see that the fan base has grown and it’s been a part of the Nashville culture. They have a good hockey team.

"They’re going to put on a spectacular event. That city is one of the best cities in the United States, in terms of growth. The talent in Nashville in terms of music and the artistic side of everything is terrific. The downtown with the convention city, the arena, all the restaurants and the honky-tonks, they’re going to do a fabulous job. They always run a first-class event and it’ll be spectacular and it’ll be a lot of fun for people visiting, sponsors and the players."

Even though Trotz has been back to Nashville to coach against the Predators behind the Capitals' bench, he said he would never forget his roots in Tennessee.

"I’m a Washington Capital now but I’m proud of coming from Nashville and still consider Nashville my home," he said.