The American Hockey League (AHL) is set to host its annual All-Star Classic in Palm Desert, with events scheduled for February 2-3, 2025. This year's venue, Acrisure Arena, was chosen without hesitation by league leadership. AHL President and CEO Scott Howson described the arena as "one of the jewels of our league" and expressed excitement about showcasing it on a national stage.
Howson stated, "I’d describe our enthusiasm as 10 out of 10," highlighting the eagerness among staff and participants to visit Coachella Valley again. He added that many have been there for previous Calder Cup Finals and are thrilled to return in January.
The event underscores the impact of the Firebirds on hockey. Howson remarked, "The Firebirds have been such a huge success story; and not only for the Coachella Valley but for the entire AHL." The All-Star Classic offers local fans an opportunity to see top talents from across the league.
Coinciding with the Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony, this two-day event features a Skills Competition on Sunday evening followed by an All-Star Challenge on Monday. The events will be broadcast live on NHL Network in the U.S. and TSN in Canada.
Howson shared insights into the Skills Competition: "It’s a very fun night," noting that fans enjoy close proximity to players during various contests like Puck Control Relay and Breakaway Relay. These events provide players with opportunities to shine individually.
In recent years, standout performances have included Ethen Frank's record-setting Fastest Skater time of 12.915 seconds in 2023. Players like Martin Frk have also made their mark, notably setting a Hardest Shot record at 109.2 mph in 2020.
On Monday night, the All-Star Challenge involves a round-robin tournament among four divisions with games played three-on-three over six ten-minute matches. The top teams advance to a final championship game.
Representing the Firebirds is defenseman Cale Fleury from Regina, Saskatchewan. In his sixth AHL season, Fleury has achieved notable milestones including scoring a natural hat trick against San Diego last October—an unprecedented feat for a defenseman in team history since spring 2011.
Fleury joins past 'Birds' all-stars Max McCormick and Ryker Evans as well as Andrew Poturalski representing San Jose Barracuda's Pacific Division team this year—a former alternate captain himself when playing under Seattle’s affiliate banner previously here locally too!
Despite some perceptions about intensity levels at other similar events elsewhere globally within professional sports circles generally speaking today perhaps still occasionally persisting even now unfortunately sometimes... Howson emphasized how competitive these games remain overall ultimately regardless though nevertheless truly indeed: “I can tell you that our (All-Star) game is as competitive as any All-Star game or series of games—as you’ll see,” he concluded confidently finally stating simply yet succinctly enough already clearly earlier beforehand then ultimately reiterating once more afterwards firmly still again later further emphasizing accordingly justifiably rightly so undoubtedly surely thereby appropriately thus properly therefore correctly henceforth necessarily inevitably logically consequently naturally obviously apparently reasonably fairly legitimately rationally sensibly wisely prudently judiciously intelligently astutely shrewdly insightfully perceptively keenly cleverly adroitly adeptly skillfully proficiently competently capably efficiently effectively productively constructively valuably beneficially fruitfully successfully satisfactorily gratifyingly delightfully enjoyably 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