Hebert’s Heroics in All-Star Debut Are Mighty Ducky

SAN JOSE — Because it was his All-Star debut, Mighty Duck goaltender Guy Hebert might not have known that by tradition, goalies aren’t supposed to exert themselves too strenuously at these games. Can’t be pulling a hamstring in a meaningless game when there’s still a playoff berth to be fought for in the second half of the season.

But not only did Hebert excel in his 10-save performance in the third period of an 11-7 Eastern Conference victory at the San Jose Arena, he made a superb diving save on a shot by Washington Capital forward Peter Bondra that would qualify for any goaltending highlight film.

“I don’t know what got into him,” teammate Paul Kariya joked.

Hebert, who entered the game with the Eastern Conference holding a 10-6 lead, gave up only one goal, to Philadelphia’s John LeClair, 20 seconds after stopping Bondra.

“I was working a little too hard, I guess,” said Hebert, who was added to the Western Conference team after Detroit’s Chris Osgood sustained an injury. “It was a little nerve-racking at first,” Hebert said, “but I was trying to be as comfortable as possible. It was certainly exciting and enjoyable.”

Duck Coach Ron Wilson, Hebert said, “will probably be yelling at me for coming out and diving like that. . . . It’s funny how when you’re panicking, you can do things like that.”

Seeing such outstanding goalies as Colorado’s Patrick Roy give up four goals and Dallas’ Andy Moog get beaten six times took the pressure off Hebert. Still, he didn’t want to just go through the motions.

“I was my first All-Star Game and I wanted to make it memorable,” he said. “It’s kind of nice talking with [Florida and Eastern Conference goalie] John Vanbiesbrouck and Patrick Roy. They gave me a lot of words of wisdom. They told me to have fun with it.

“I don’t think there’s a lot of shame in getting beaten by one of [the Eastern Conference All-Stars], but maybe you can steal a little save.”

Hebert especially enjoyed a quick glove save he made on Wayne Gretzky halfway through the period, one highlight he said his father was probably already playing over and over on videotape. Nonetheless, the overall atmosphere and congeniality were the warmest memories he will carry with him.

“I wasn’t really sure what to expect,” he said. “I thought it would be a little too hectic and high-pressured and that I might need a couple of days’ rest [afterward] but it’s been great.

“It was a great chance to meet the greatest players in the world. You never know. You may never make it back, and I wanted to collect as many memories as I could to take back to my teammates.”

Kariya collected a goal and the Ducks’ other representative, Teemu Selanne, collected an assist. But for Kariya, a second-time All-Star, the experience of playing against Gretzky and Mario Lemieux is what he will most cherish.

“We’re on the ice and I’m watching and enjoying them,” he said. “We had the best seats in the house to enjoy those guys. All of them have been fabulous for the game and it was great to watch for all of us.”