Laval Sends Four to AHL All-Star Classic, Reflecting a Team on the Rise
The Laval Rocket are heading into the AHL All-Star Classic with more than just momentum-they’re bringing a full delegation. Forward Laurent Dauphin, defenseman Adam Engström, rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler, and head coach Pascal Vincent will all represent Laval at this year’s festivities in Rockford, set for Tuesday and Wednesday.
This isn’t just a nod to individual talent-it’s a testament to a team that’s been rolling. Laval sits atop the North Division with a 29-14-4 record, riding a five-game win streak into the All-Star break. The Rocket are playing confident, connected hockey, and it’s showing on the scoreboard-and now, on the All-Star roster.
Engström: “We’re Building on What We Started”
Adam Engström, who ranks fourth among AHL defensemen in scoring, sees this All-Star nod as a reflection of the Rocket’s strong locker room culture and on-ice chemistry.
“Honnestly, our team is really solid this season,” Engström said. “We’re playing great hockey right now, putting up strong performances night after night. We’re building on what we started last year.”
That chemistry isn’t just talk-it’s translating into results. Engström credits the tight-knit nature of the group as a key factor in their success.
“The chemistry in the room is excellent. The guys spend a lot of time together, and you can feel that on the ice.
It’s really fun coming to the rink every day. And having four of us going to the All-Star Classic shows just how well this group is performing.”
Fowler Shining in Rookie Year
Goaltender Jacob Fowler has been nothing short of a revelation. The rookie netminder, who made his NHL debut earlier this season, currently ranks fourth in the AHL in goals-against average. Calm, poised, and consistent, Fowler has anchored Laval’s defensive efforts with maturity well beyond his years.
“It takes everyone in the organization to get these kinds of results, so I’m proud to represent the team,” Fowler said. “It’s a privilege.”
For a first-year pro, Fowler’s ascent has been impressive-and his All-Star selection feels like a fitting reward for a breakout campaign.
A Team Effort, Not Just Individual Honors
While the spotlight is on the four Rocket representatives, each of them emphasized that this is about more than just personal accolades. Head coach Pascal Vincent, who’s making his second All-Star appearance, framed it as a shared achievement.
“For the players, it’s a combination of two things,” Vincent said. “It’s individual success-how much they’ve helped the team win-but it’s also collective recognition. Without the team’s success, those individual honors wouldn’t happen.”
That sentiment was echoed by Laurent Dauphin, the league’s leading scorer. The veteran forward has been dominant all season, but he’s quick to spread the credit.
“It’s something I can be proud of,” Dauphin said. “But it also reflects the strength of our line as a whole.”
Dauphin has been thriving alongside linemates Alex Belzile and Sean Farrell, a trio that’s been a consistent force for Laval. “There’s no way I could do this alone.
I’m really grateful for my two partners, and I’m happy with how the season’s going.”
What’s Next
The All-Star festivities kick off Tuesday night at 8 p.m. with the Skills Competition, followed by the All-Star Challenge on Wednesday night at the same time. For Laval, this break is more than a celebration-it’s a validation of the work being done throughout the organization.
Four All-Star selections. First place in the division. A team that’s clicking on and off the ice.
The Rocket aren’t just sending talent to Rockford-they’re sending a message.