Kendall Coyne first woman to compete in All-Stars skills competition

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Nathan MacKinnon didn't compete in the NHL All-Stars skills competition Friday because of an undisclosed injury. U.S. women's national team player Kendall Coyne replaced MacKinnon in the fastest-skater event, making her the first woman to compete in the skills competition.

Coyne, 26, was originally slated to attend the event and demonstrate the skills, along with other female players. But when MacKinnon, a Colorado Avalanche center, told the NHL he could not participate, organizers decided to call upon one of the speediest players on the U.S. women's squad.

Coyne put up a time of 14.346 seconds as the opening skater Friday night. Edmonton's Connor McDavid won for the third consecutive year, with a time of 13.378 seconds.

In addition to McDavid, Coyne competed against Cam Atkinson, Mat Barzal, Jack Eichel, Miro Heiskanen, Clayton Keller and Elias Pettersson.

MacKinnon's status for Saturday night's All-Star Game is still unclear. However, he is in San Jose participating in the festivities, meaning he will avoid the mandatory one-game suspension for skipping the skills event.