The NHL lockout could get very ugly in a hurry.

Our friends over at SI.com relayed a story from The Columbus Dispatch, stating that the league could cancel the 2012-13 NHL All-Star Game, set for Jan. 27, in Columbus, Ohio.

One of the first major casualties of another NHL lockout could be the All-Star Game, which the Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena are set to play host to on Jan. 27.

The collective-bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15. With the league and the NHL Players' Association hardening their stances and ramping up the rhetoric, many expect training camps - set to begin Sept. 21 - and the exhibition season to be delayed amid a lockout.

If the lockout extends even a month into the season, it could scuttle one of the biggest sporting events ever planned for central Ohio.

Though it's difficult to call the All-Star game one of the highlights of any professional sports season, the NHL All-Star experience is somewhat unique, as the teams are picked in a sandlot manner, and the skills competitions serve as a highlight for fans.

Hopefully, players and owners can come to an agreement prior to Sept. 15. If not, things could get ugly in a hurry for NHL fans.