Matvei Gridin Shines as Pacific Division Captures AHL All-Star Challenge Title
The stars were out in Rockford, Illinois, for Day Two of the AHL All-Star Classic, and Calgary Wranglers forward Matvei Gridin made sure his name was part of the conversation. Representing the Pacific Division in the three-on-three tournament, Gridin not only held his own among the league’s top young talent-he played a key role in helping his squad take home the All-Star Challenge crown.
Let’s break down how the action unfolded and how Gridin's performance stood out across the four-game showcase.
Game 1: Pacific Division 4, North Division 1
Gridin hit the ice in the starting lineup alongside Tucson Roadrunners defenseman Dmitri Simashev and Bakersfield Condors forward Quinn Hutson. As the game progressed, the Pacific Division shuffled lines, and Gridin found himself skating with Coachella Valley’s Jagger Firkus and Colorado Eagles captain Jayson Megna-a trio that clicked immediately.
Megna opened the scoring in the first period, but it was the second frame where Gridin really got going. Just 27 seconds in, he set up Firkus for the Pacific’s second goal. Then, after Megna added another tally, Gridin made a heads-up play from center ice in the dying seconds, springing Megna for his hat trick goal with just three ticks left on the clock.
Two assists in his All-Star debut? Not a bad way to announce yourself on the big stage.
Game 2: Pacific Division 3, Atlantic Division 2
Back-to-back games are no joke, even in a short-format tournament, but the Pacific Division stayed sharp. After a quick ice clean, they were back at it-this time against the Atlantic Division.
Gridin started this one with familiar linemates in Firkus and Simashev, though his ice time was a bit more limited in the opening period. Ben Berard struck first for the Pacific, followed quickly by Megna’s fourth goal of the tournament. The Atlantic answered late in the first with a goal from Ben Steeves, keeping things tight at 2-1.
Gridin returned to the ice to start the second, this time with Firkus and defenseman Tyson Jugnauth. Andre Lee extended the Pacific’s lead, and although the Atlantic clawed one back with a one-timer from Tristan Broz, the Pacific held on for the win. Gridin didn’t register a point in this one, but his presence continued to be felt in transition and puck movement.
Game 3: Central Division 4, Pacific Division 0
With two wins under their belt, the Pacific had already locked in a spot in the final, but they still had to face a hungry Central Division team with everything to play for.
Gridin opened the game with Firkus and Simashev once again and managed to get a shot on goal just 46 seconds in, but it was turned aside. Despite a few more looks-including a promising chance early in the second period-the Pacific couldn’t solve the Central’s defense.
The Central, on the other hand, came out flying. Bradly Nadeau and Cameron Hughes scored just seconds apart to start the second period, and Brett Seney added two more to give the Central a commanding 4-0 win-just enough to earn a rematch with the Pacific in the final.
Final: Pacific Division 3, Central Division 1
After a wild tiebreaker scenario that sent the Atlantic packing, the final showdown was set: Pacific vs. Central, Round Two.
This time, the Pacific came out with purpose. Ben Berard opened the scoring late in the first period, and early in the second, Gridin helped create another key moment. He initiated the play that led to a Jagger Firkus goal, picking up the secondary assist-his third point of the tournament.
With the Central pressing, they pulled their goalie with just over a minute left, but Tanner Laczynski made them pay with an empty-netter at 3:04. Cameron Hughes managed to get one back for the Central just seconds later, but it was too little, too late.
Final score: 3-1. Pacific Division crowned AHL All-Star Challenge champions.
What’s Next for Gridin
Gridin heads back to Calgary after a strong showing on the All-Star stage, having tallied three assists across four games while skating alongside some of the AHL’s brightest up-and-comers. He’ll return to Wranglers practice on Friday before hitting the road with the team for a Saturday matchup against the Manitoba Moose.
For a player who’s been steadily rising through the ranks, this All-Star performance was another step forward-and a reminder that the Flames organization has something special developing in No. 92.