The NHL Has Granted The Blackhawks Organization The All-Star Game in 2026
Photo credit: Todd A Reicher
The Chicago Blackhawks minor-league affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs will have the honor of hosting the 2026 AHL All-Star Game.
The 2026 AHL All-Star Game will be hosted by the Rockford IceHogs, in BMO Arena.
AHL President and CEO Scott Howson made the Announcement today:
«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. «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 news announced today was following the report that the Blackhawks' current 3C Frank Nazar will be headed back to the AHL to participate in the 2025 ASG.
Nazar, 20, ranks top-five amongst AHL rookies with 11 goals and 24 points in 21 games this season. The Detroit, MI native has been riding a league-best eight-game point streak on home ice, finding the scoresheet during every game he's played at the BMO Center this season.
Next-year the event will be filled with some of the NHL's best prospects all seen from the convienience of AHL Ice, in Rockford, IL.
Central Division
CHI - Scott Morrow, Ryan Suzuki
GR - Sebastian Cossa, Austin Watson
IA - Liam Ohgren
MB - Elias Salomonsson
MIL - Vinnie Hinostroza, Matt Murray
RFD - Frank Nazar
TEX - Lian Bichsel, Justin Hryckowian, Curtis McKenzie ("C")
CHI - Scott Morrow, Ryan Suzuki
GR - Sebastian Cossa, Austin Watson
IA - Liam Ohgren
MB - Elias Salomonsson
MIL - Vinnie Hinostroza, Matt Murray
RFD - Frank Nazar
TEX - Lian Bichsel, Justin Hryckowian, Curtis McKenzie ("C")
Ahead of the announcement the state of Illinois made a major investment in modernizing the arena, and it's paying off already.
The Blackhawks team itself, which has helped their affiliate club every step of the way will be involved in the planning of the event as well.
Both the AHL All-Star Skills Competition and the AHL All-Star Challenge will be held at the newly renovated BMO Center in downtown Rockford. A $27-million investment to date from the State of Illinois, City of Rockford, and other public and private partners has greatly enhanced and modernized the fan experience with improvements to infrastructure, technology, concourse, and premium spaces.
While we don't know which Rockford prospect will make the cut in 2026, Ethan Del Mastro was given the honors in 2024, while Frank Nazar will make the trip this season.
Without Head Coach Anders Sorensen, the IceHogs are currently 14-16-3 during the 2024-2025 campaign.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 12 | 145 ANSWERS The NHL Has Granted The Blackhawks Organization The All-Star Game in 2026 As a Chicago Blackhawks fan, will you watch the AHL All-Star Game in Rockford, IL in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 42.8 % |
| No | 83 | 57.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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