SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … American Hockey League President and CEO Scott Howson introduced right now that the Board of Governors has unanimously permitted the Rockford IceHogs as hosts of the 2026 AHL All-Star Basic introduced by BMO.
The 2026 AHL All-Star Basic introduced by BMO will embrace the AHL All-Star Abilities Competitors on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, adopted by the AHL Corridor of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, February 11 and the AHL All-Star Problem that night.
“As we put together to have fun the AHL’s ninetieth season in 2025-26, we sit up for bringing the AHL All-Star Basic to Rockford subsequent winter,” mentioned Howson. “Being chosen to host our showcase occasion is a testomony to the dedication made by the Metropolis of Rockford, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Blackhawks group to offer followers all through the area with a first-class atmosphere on the BMO Heart to benefit from the IceHogs and AHL hockey.”
Each the AHL All-Star Abilities Competitors and the AHL All-Star Problem will probably be held on the newly renovated BMO Heart in downtown Rockford. A $27-million funding so far from the State of Illinois, Metropolis of Rockford and different private and non-private companions has significantly enhanced and modernized the fan expertise with enhancements to infrastructure, expertise, concourse, and premium areas.
“The AHL All-Star Basic will convey collectively the league’s prime expertise, showcasing the perfect {of professional} hockey proper right here in Rockford. This prestigious occasion will put our metropolis within the nationwide highlight, drawing followers from close to and much to have fun the game and expertise all that Rockford has to supply,” mentioned Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “From the thrilling motion on the BMO Heart to the increase for native companies and the joy shared by our neighborhood, the AHL All-Star Basic will probably be a celebration of our metropolis’s power, resilience, and keenness for hockey.”
“Illinois’ tourism business is second to none, and I’m thrilled to welcome the AHL All-Star Basic to Rockford – within the Center of Every part,” mentioned Illinois Division of Commerce and Financial Alternative Director Kristin Richards. “Bolstered by the Tourism Incentive Grant Program, the State of Illinois is making crucial investments which are opening the doorways to occasions that may attract guests from far and huge whereas offering native households one other alternative to get pleasure from Illinois alongside the gifted Rockford IceHogs.”
“The IceHogs, in collaboration with our companions from the Metropolis, County, State of Illinois Workplace of Tourism, RAVE (Rockford Space Venues & Leisure Authority) Board, and GoRockford, are thrilled to showcase our metropolis and area to a world viewers by internet hosting the 2026 AHL All-Star Basic introduced by BMO,” mentioned IceHogs Crew President Ryan Snider. “Rockford is aware of tips on how to throw a celebration, and we sit up for internet hosting the Stateline’s final social gathering for the AHL, our IceHogs and Blackhawks followers, and our neighborhood at giant.”
Followers can go to icehogs.com/asc26 for extra info on the occasion and tickets. Particular person tickets for the All-Star Basic will probably be on sale at a later date.
The annual AHL All-Star Basic options the highest younger expertise within the American Hockey League: since 1995, greater than 94 % of All-Star Basic contributors have gone on to compete within the Nationwide Hockey League, together with Cam Atkinson, Drake Batherson, Jordan Binnington, Michael Carcone, John Carlson, Brandt Clarke, Thatcher Demko, Lukas Dostal, Ryker Evans, Thomas Harley, Connor Hellebuyck, Joel Hofer, Tristan Jarry, Jordan Kyrou, Jonathan Marchessault, Jacob Markstrom, J.T. Miller, Brandon Montour, William Nylander, Kyle Palmieri, Mikko Rantanen, Dylan Strome, Tyler Toffoli, Linus Ullmark, Vitek Vanecek, Dustin Wolf and Mats Zuccarello.
In operation since 1936, the American Hockey League serves as the highest improvement league for the gamers, coaches, managers, executives, broadcasters and employees of all 32 Nationwide Hockey League groups. Practically 90 % of right now’s NHL gamers are American Hockey League graduates, and greater than 100 honored members of the Hockey Corridor of Fame frolicked within the AHL of their careers.
