The 2026 AHL All-Star Classic is coming to Rockford, Illinois, Feb. 10-11, 2026. AHL President and CEO Scott Howson made the announcement Sunday during the first intermission of the Rockford IceHogs game against the Milwaukee Admirals.

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The AHL’s midseason celebration featuring many of the league’s best players including top NHL prospects will be coming to Illinois for the first time ever next winter at the BMO Center. Rockford was unanimously approved as the host city by the AHL's board of governors.

The two-day event also includes the AHL All-Star Skills Competition, which will be held on Feb. 10, and the main event on Feb. 11, the AHL All-Star Challenge, which recently has pitted teams representing each of the four divisions against each other in a tournament format. The league will also be celebrating its Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony on Feb. 11.

Rockford, which is the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, has been part of the league since 2007. Prior to joining the AHL, the previous version of the Rockford IceHogs were part of the United Hockey League dating back to 1999.

“As we prepare to celebrate the AHL’s 90th season in 2025-26, we look forward to bringing the AHL All-Star Classic to Rockford next winter,” said Howson in a statement. “Being selected to host our showcase event is a testament to the commitment made by the City of Rockford, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Blackhawks organization to provide fans throughout the region with a first-class environment at the BMO Center to enjoy the IceHogs and AHL hockey.”

The BMO Center was recently renovated, providing a significant upgrade to the fan experience and technology in the arena based in downtown Rockford. According to the AHL, a $27 million investment to date for improvements to the facility.

The modern AHL All-Star Classic format has been around since 1995, but the event has origins dating back to 1942. The AHL will be celebrating its 90th year in operation during the 2025-26 season. 

According to the league, 94% of AHL All-Star Game participants have gone on to play in the NHL.

This season’s All-Star Classic will be held Feb. 2-3 in Palm Desert, Calif., at Acrisure Arena, home of the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

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