For countless hockey fans coast-to-coast, the annual NHL All-Star Game is a pretty memorable experience, but this year's game, no matter what the outcome, will be unforgettable for Felix Russell.

The 11-year-old Whitehorse resident was selected, along with 11 other young hockey players from across Canada, to participate in the 2008 McDonalds In the Line Up program.

Russell was one of the two selections for the territories and the 10 others include one representative from each province.

Russell was entered into the contest by his mother, Katrina, who will accompany him on the trip to Atlanta to take in the event.

'I just thought he would love the opportunity to do something like this,' said Katrina Russell. 'It is like winning the lottery, but only better. What parent that has a child in hockey wouldn't want their child to have an opportunity to meet some of the greatest hockey players in the world? It is an amazing opportunity.'

Katrina was reminded about the contest while watching one of Felix's hockey practices in November by some of the other player's parents. After the practice she found the website and entered him a few days later.

As per contest rules, a new entry could be submitted every day from Nov. 5 to Dec. 9. All entries had to be between the ages seven to 12 years old and playing on a minor league hockey team.

After finding the website, Katrina entered her son's name on a regular basis for the rest of November and into December. Just before Christmas, Felix received a message on the family's answering machine from Calgary Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf, informing him that he was the winner and would be going to Atlanta.

'It was amazing,' he said when asked about his reaction to hearing the message. 'It was really awesome for me.'

Felix and Katrina will fly out on Jan. 24 to attend the All-Star Game Weekend, which is being held from Jan. 26-27. The Russell's will then fly back to Whitehorse the following day after the conclusion of the final game, which will be played on Sunday.

The prizes include round-trip airfare to Atlanta, three nights hotel and ground transfers, official player escort uniforms, a meet and greet with participating players at the event, two tickets to the Dodge/NHL Super Skills and two tickets to the NHL All-Star Game where they will be present on the ice during the player introductions and national anthems. Winners will also be able to take part in a shinny game with the NHL all-stars.

Some of the players attending this year's All-Star Game for the Eastern Conference include Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov and New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur. Some of more notable players who will represent the Western Conference are Detroit Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom, Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla and Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo.

Felix, who plays both as a goaltender and player for Yukon Office Supplies in the PeeWee League, said he is looking forward to meeting Luongo the most at the All-Star Game.

'I like the Canucks and I just idol(ize) him,' he said. 'Being a goalie, I have always enjoyed stopping the puck and I want to be like Luongo.'

Felix isn't sure what advice he will ask Luongo, but plans on seeking some tips on how to get better in net.

He said he is also looking forward to the skills competition and the shinny game.

'I just like seeing players take really hard slap shots and skating as fast as they can,' Felix said. 'The shinny game, it's going to be fun playing with all the all-stars, it's going to be really awesome.'

Katrina thinks it is important for these contests to be offered to kids and youth who are involved with the sport.

'It's a chance for McDonalds to give back to the community,' she said. 'Giving kids the opportunity to go, I think will be a lasting impression in their lives and hopefully keep them motivated to stick with the sport.'

Katrina wanted to thank McDonalds, Whitehorse Minor Hockey, Yukon Office Supplies and co-coaches Richard Meredith and Mike Burnett for making this possible.

'When you play minor hockey or any minor sport, it's more than just a kid going in and playing, it is a community thing,' she said. 'It's coaches that volunteer their time, local businesses that sponsor teams' play. It's a really positive thing to have your child in any kind of organized sports, it makes a big difference in a lot of kids lives and I don't think some of the coaches get the recognition that they deserve for their time helping out the kids.'