The 2026 AHL All-Star Classic is almost here, and there’s a fresh face joining the Central Division roster: Rockford IceHogs forward Brett Seney. The veteran winger is no stranger to the IceHogs faithful-he’s not just their leading scorer this season with 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists), but he’s also wearing the “C” for the second straight year, a testament to his leadership and consistency. Now, he’ll get to represent Rockford on home ice during one of the league’s marquee events.
This year’s All-Star Classic, presented by BMO, takes place February 10-11 in Rockford, Illinois. And it’s shaping up to be more than just a skills showcase-it’s a celebration of the AHL’s top-tier talent and the league’s role as the NHL’s primary development pipeline.
The action kicks off Tuesday night with the 2026 AHL All-Star Skills Competition (8 ET/7 CT), where Eastern and Western Conference All-Stars will square off in seven head-to-head events. It’s a fan favorite for a reason-expect blistering slap shots, pinpoint accuracy, and breakaway creativity that puts the league’s skill on full display.
Then on Wednesday night, things get even more competitive with the AHL All-Star Challenge. The format?
A fast-paced 3-on-3 round-robin tournament between the four divisional squads. Each of the six mini-games will run eight minutes, with the top two teams advancing to a final showdown for the All-Star crown.
It’s a format built for speed and flair, and it’s delivered plenty of drama in recent years.
But the All-Star festivities aren’t just about what happens on the ice. Earlier that day, the AHL will honor some of its legends during the Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony (noon ET/11 CT).
The Class of 2026 includes Chris Bourque, Alexandre Giroux, Jim Wiemer, and Wendell Young-names that resonate deeply with longtime AHL fans. Each of these inductees left a distinct mark on the league, and their inclusion in the Hall is a reminder of the league’s rich history and its role in shaping professional hockey.
And make no mistake-the All-Star Classic isn’t just a midseason exhibition. It’s a showcase of the next wave of NHL talent.
Since 1995, over 94 percent of players who’ve suited up for the AHL All-Star Classic have gone on to play in the NHL. That list includes stars like Connor Hellebuyck, William Nylander, Mikko Rantanen, and Thatcher Demko.
This year’s roster is likely packed with future NHL regulars, and the event offers a rare chance to see them before they become household names.
The AHL has been doing this since 1936, serving as the proving ground for players, coaches, and executives who eventually make their mark at the highest level. Nearly 90 percent of current NHL players have AHL roots, and the league continues to be a critical step in the journey to the big show.
For fans in Rockford and beyond, the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic is more than just a weekend of hockey-it’s a window into the future of the sport. And with Brett Seney now in the mix, the hometown crowd has even more reason to get loud.