With Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara not participating in the 2015 NHL All-Star game, we knew there was going to be a new champion in the hardest shot competition. Chara had won the competition in each of the past five All-Star games, including his record breaking shot in 2012 that clocked in at 108.8 MPH. 

The top competitors this season figured to be Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien and Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber. 

Byfuglien's performance was actually a little on the disappointing side, topping off at 97.3. 

Weber, on the other hand, more than lived up to the hype. After his initial attempt missed the net (which means his 101 MPH on the shot did not count), Weber finished off the night by hammering a 108.5 MPH shot that fell 0.3 MPH short of Chara's record.

Best of luck to any NHL player that has to step in front of that in an effort to block it during a game. 

Speaking of other NHL players, let's check in with Patrick Kane and Phil Kessel for their reactions (via @MyRegularFace):

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin was the only player other than Weber to top 100 MPH, recording a 101.4 MPH shot.