5 Things To Know About the AHL All-Star Classic

Jan 22, 2018

1.

The best players in the American Hockey League will make their way to Utica this weekend for the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic. The two-day event begins on Sunday, January 28 at 8pm with the Skills Competition. Then on Monday, January 29 at 7pm the best players from each division will face-off in a 3-on-3, round robin challenge. Doors will open an hour and a half prior to each event for fans to grab some concessions, check out the All-Star apparel line and make their way to their seats. The AHL will also host their annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Ceremony at the Turning Stone Casino on Monday, January 29 at 11am in the Showroom.

2.

Representing the Comets at this year’s classic are forward Reid Boucher who is currently the second-leading goal scorer in the AHL with 20 goals in 33 games played. A native of Lansing, Michigan, Boucher has eclipsed 30 points for the fourth time in his career.  
Joining Boucher is goaltender Thatcher Demko. The 22-year old San Diego native is having a sparkling sophomore season, earning 16 wins and finds himself seventh among qualified AHL goalies with a 2.28 goals against average. 

3.

Security measures at the Adirondack Bank Center will mirror those of a normal Utica Comets game day. Those policies and procedures can be found here.

4.

Building off the momentum of last year’s AHL All-Star Classic in Lehigh Valley, the AHL All-Star Challenge format will consist of four division teams: North, Atlantic, Central, and Pacific. The four teams will face-off in six fast-paced, 10-minute 3-on-3 style games. The two top teams will then increase the stakes and play a six-minute, 3-on-3 championship to determine 2018 AHL All-Star Challenge champion. Jerseys for the night were revealed last week and can be seen here.

5.

Not only will the best players in the American Hockey League descend upon Utica, they will be accompanied by several mascots from around the league. On Monday, during the All-Star Challenge, the mascots will face a few challenges of their own. A mascot skills competition consisting of furthest throw, fastest skater and best dance moves will put these characters to the test. Along with their own skills competition, a free-for-all hockey game will also take place.