SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … President and CEO of the American Hockey League Scott Howson announced today that the Board of Governors has unanimously approved the Cleveland Monsters as hosts of the 2027 AHL All-Star Classic.
The 2027 AHL All-Star Classic will feature AHL All-Star Skills Competition to Sunday, February 7, 2027followed by i AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony to Monday, February 8 as well as AHL All-Star Challenge that night.
“Cleveland stands as a pillar among cities in American Hockey League history, and the Monsters organization is one of our most successful franchises today,” Howson said. “We are excited to bring our showcase event to Rocket Arena and the city of Cleveland in 2027.”
Both the AHL All-Star Skills Competition and the AHL All-Star Challenge will be held on Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland. The Rocket Arena continues to be a catalyst for economic growth in the city of Cleveland, hosting major national events that bring energy and impact to the city – to positively impact the city’s economy and promote the City of Cleveland playing host to many national events including the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, the 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four and the Canada 5 and Canada Women’s National Team Canada’s Women’s20 Team5. Series.
Cleveland and the AHL All-Star Classic share a storied history with the city hosting the first event on February 3, 1942. The city’s hockey history spans between the 1954 and 1957 All-Star Games, when the Cleveland Barons faced the AHL All-Stars as the opposing team. This is Cleveland’s first time hosting the modern AHL All-Star Classic, which was first held in 1995.
“Cleveland has a proud and storied hockey tradition and it is only fitting that during our 20th season we celebrate the return of the AHL All-Star Classic to our city in 2027,” it said. Mike OstrowskiPresident of the Cleveland Monsters. “Hosting an event of this caliber is a true reflection of our passionate Monsters fans, whose incredible support has helped Cleveland lead the league for the past three years. We are tired of showcasing Rocket Arena and our great city to the league, its top players, staff and Board of Governors.”
The historic Hotel Cleveland will serve as the Official Hotel of the AHL All-Star Classic hosting top talent from across the league and fans visiting Cleveland. The unique location allows the city of Cleveland to shine in the All-Star lights, and provides convenience for guests traveling between Hotel Cleveland and Rocket Arena via the indoor RTA Walkway, which will serve as the “Road to the All-Star Classic.”
“The City of Cleveland is proud to host the 2027 American Hockey League All-Star Classic,” said the Mayor of Cleveland. Justin Bibb. “Hosting major sporting events shows the world that Cleveland can deliver unforgettable experiences and is a city where sports, culture, and community meet. Not only will fans and residents get to enjoy hockey at the world-class Rocket Arena, but they will also have access to amazing amenities and vibrant neighborhoods, which strengthen our region’s economy.”
The All-Star Pack presented by Hotel Cleveland guarantees fans tickets to both the All-Star Skills Tournament and the All-Star Challenge and an exclusive 2027 Cleveland All-Star winter hat. Starting at just $49 (plus fees), the All-Star Pack is on sale now and available for a limited time. Single tickets for the All-Star Skills Tournament and Challenge will go on sale later. Fans can visit clevelandmonsters.com/allstar for more event information and tickets.
Monsters fans can also secure their spot in the 2027 AHL All-Star Classic when they become members of the Monsters Hockey Club (MHC) for the 2026-27 season. By making their first $50 seat payment or re-registering their current MHC membership, fans will be guaranteed seats for Sunday’s Skills Challenge and Monday’s All-Star Challenge, as well as a special All-Star winter hat. Monsters Hockey Club members receive their favorite seats for each regular season game, access to exclusive events and giveaways throughout the season. For more information on Monsters Hockey Club membership, visit clevelandmonsters.com/tickets/membership-comparison.
The AHL All-Star Skills Competition tests the league’s top players in seven events, including Hardest Shot, Fastest Skater and Accuracy Shooting. The AHL All-Star Challenge pits the league’s four divisions — Atlantic, North, Central and Pacific — against each other in a round-robin, three-on-three tournament.
The annual AHL All-Star Classic features the top young talent in the American Hockey League: since 1995, more than 94 percent of All-Star Classic participants have competed in the National Hockey League, incl. Yaroslav Askarov, Drake Batherson, Jordan Binnington, John Carlson, Brandt Clarke, Thatcher Demko, Lukas Dostal, Ryker Evans, Jet Greaves, Thomas Harley, Connor Hellebuyck, Joel Hofer, Tristan Jarry, Jordan Kyrou, Jonathan Marchessault, Jacob Markstrom, JT Miller, Brandon Montour, William Nylander, Kyle Palmieri, Mikko Rantanen, Dylan Strome, Tyler Toffoli, Linus Ullmark, Dustin Wolf again Mats Zuccarello..
Operating since 1936, the American Hockey League serves as the premier league for the development of players, coaches, managers, administrators, broadcasters and personnel for all 32 National Hockey League teams. About 90 percent of today’s NHL players graduated from the American Hockey League, and more than 100 members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent time in the AHL during their careers.
