Briere replaces Iginla on All-Star roster

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Philadelphia forward Danny Briere was added to the 2011 NHL All-Star Game roster after Calgary's Jarome Iginla bowed out.

Iginla was excused from playing in the Jan. 30 game in Raleigh, N.C., due to his concerns about his grandmother's health.

"It is always an honor to be part of the NHL All-Star Game but unfortunately I have to decline this year," Iginla said in a release. "I just lost my grandfather in the spring and I have learned that my grandmother is not doing very well. With the way the season goes I don't get too many opportunities to see her, and as much as I was looking forward to being in North Carolina for the All-Star Game, I just know that my mind will be elsewhere."

Briere, who ranks sixth in the league with 24 goals, will be making his second all-star appearance. He was the MVP of the 2007 game while with Buffalo.